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Joseph M. Starita

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Princeton University

Joseph Starita Obituary

STARITA Dr. Joseph M. Starita, age 65, of Marysville, died Tuesday, November 17, 2009, at Heartland of Marysville following a valiant fight with brain cancer. He was president of CPP Engineering, LLC and was the founder of Rheometrics, INC. (acquired by TA Instruments, Inc.) the most successful manufacturer of rheological testing instruments in the world. Previously, he held product, process and materials development managerial positions with General Electric. Dr. Starita attended Seton Hall Prep School in South Orange, NJ, received his ME from Stevens Institute of Technology, and earned his MSE, MA and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering-Polymer Materials Program from Princeton University. Dr. Starita was a Society of Plastics Fellow and was recognized worldwide as an expert in applying rheology to solve polymer process, material and product problems. He held many patents associated with rheology and polymers. Joe and his wife shared a tremendous love for animals. He was most supportive of his wife's animal rescue, THE FORGOTTEN, and in recent years his passion has centered around helping his wife establish and develop NOAH'S ARK, a veterinary hospital in Dublin. Scheduled to open in the very near future, Joe knew the care provided by NOAH'S ARK would only complement the compassion shown to the animals through the rescue. Through all of his success and travels, Joe remained a humble, down-to-earth man who loved horses and spending time with his wife. He was born June 5, 1944, in Bayonne, New Jersey, to Michael and Marie Zicarelli Starita. His father survives in Dallas, TX. He was preceded in death by his mother and a brother Richard Starita. Along with his father, survivors include his wife of 7 years, Renee Kelly Starita, to whom he was married on February 20, 2002; two brothers, John (Roberta) Starita, Stocksdale, AZ and Michael (Janice) Starita, Fort Worth, TX; a sister-in-law, Paulette Starita, Dallas, TX; a brother-in-law, Larry (Kathy) Dello-Russo, North Carolina; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues. A Celebration of Joe's life will take place Saturday, November 21, 2009, at 11 a.m. at MANNASMITH FUNERAL HOME, where a light reception for friends and family will follow. Visitation will be held Friday, November 20, 2009 from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. The family encourages contributions in Joe's memory be made to the Union County Cancer Society or the American Cancer Society in care of the funeral home (621 W. 5th St., Marysville, OH 43040). Condolences may be expressed at www.mannasmithfuneralhome.com

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch on Nov. 19, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Starita

15 Entries

William Ferry

February 20, 2021

Joe, you were, and are, a visionary, a profound change-maker, and an all-around wonderful person. My deepest sympathy to your family and friends, and to all who had the opportunity to work with you. You are sorely missed as one who ALWAYS wore the "white-hat" ! Thank you for all you have done, and for the legacy you have created.

My sincere condolences to all who had the extreme pleasure and fortune to have worked with you.

Godspeed on this journey. Rest in peace.

always,
William M. Ferry

Sid Miller

August 10, 2010

I was shocked to learn of Joe's death. There are some people who you just think will live forever, Joe was like that.

I worked at Rheometrics as my first job after college, and it was a really wonderful experience. We had a small very creative engineering team, headed by Ron Garritano. Joe frequently invited customers, Academics and researchers to provide input on our products, and was always interested in trying new things.

I probably would have stayed at Rheometrics if it had been located in California...

Joe was charismatic, fun, intelligent and kind. I will miss him.

Kari Chandler

April 1, 2010

What a shock! I admired Joe for his ability to be so stoic about all this. He and Renee were ALWAYS an absolute pleasure to work with. Joe will be very missed. He always had interesting stories that he would tell me about what else? Science!

Renee, I am very saddened by your loss. He's not in pain anymore and hopefully at peace. I have thought of you and Joe often since I stopped working at AMPF. Just wondering how you were doing, Joe was feeling, and if your new endeavor was working well for the two of you. I know I talked to you more, but the few times I was blessed with Joe's call, he always treated me with the utmost kindness. A very sweet man. He's certainly seemed to inspire a lot people, especially after reading the comments from his collegues and friends. Just wanted to offer my condolences. I wish you the best Renee. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Kari Chandler
Randy's previous asst. at AMP

Rich Connelly

February 1, 2010

The January issue of the Society of Rheology Bulletin had a notice of Joe's death. Like many who have spoke before me, this was a shock and very sad. I knew Joe only through Rheology; when I met him, he was CEO of Rheometrics (with 6 employees), and in the mid 70's personally installed our first rheometer. It was a great experience and included many hours of education and laughing. Six months later I called him to get some help. The "air bearing" had jammed from contaminated, compressed air, and after taking it apart and cleaning it, I couldn't get it back together. He said, don't worry, we will take care of this. Please let me talk to the repair tech. When I told him there was no tech here and I had done it, he broke into "big Joe laughter". Once composed, he said hold the line, my Dad has to hear this. It all worked out and was the start of a great relationship. Over the years we got to work with many, fine, Rheometric people; all hired by Joe. Every visit to NJ included time to meet with Joe, and often, a fine lunch, in his gourmet, dinning room. He was a scientist, visionary, leader, teacher, and friend. Well done Joe!

Prakash Patel

January 2, 2010

Dear Joe, It was pleasure to work with your company during my Hercules days in developing techniques to rheologicaly relate structure - properties for polymer melt. Those days in early 80's with Glen Zeichner (my boss), Ron Garratino and yourself bring back some very fond memories. Thanks for the wonderful opportunities your company provide us and will cherish the memories. May you rest in peace.

Bruce Rudolph

December 7, 2009

I am thankful to have known Joe and for the opportunity to work for Rheometrics. It was a wonderful learning environment in which I have so many fond memories.

Ron Garritano

November 20, 2009

I was so fortunate to have known Joe for over 30 tears. I started working for Joe in 1976 and I am still working on some of the designs developed during some very exciting times at Rheometrics. The early years at Rheometrics were the most productive in its history. Looking back, it's hard to phantom how we developed so many instruments in such a short time period.

Joe was the catalyst. He loved the Science, assembled a very competent team, treated us all as partners and always listened to the customer. From the very moment he started the business, he visited and brought in customers from all over the world...Europe, Australia, Japan, China, India, and Korea. University professors, corporate leaders, Scientists and Lab technicians were proudly introduced to most of our team. He had a vision of where the world was headed and wanted all to be part of it.

Through it all, Joe always had a great sense of humor. He hid the business pressures of the times from most of the employees, especially engineering. He was our #1 practical jokesters and I could always tell by that grin and glint in his eye that he was up to no good.

Joe………what more can I say? Thanks for making us part of your life, part of your vision. Thanks for the good times and the hard times and the laughter and even the tears. And Joe………please remember that you will be here, in our hearts and in our minds forever.

Ron Garritano

Jim and Julie Harris

November 20, 2009

We didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Joe very long, but his drive and dedication to excellence and improving animal care and his tremendous love and support for Renee were evident each time we spoke with him. Noah’s Ark is a fitting tribute to their combined passion, enthusiasm, and vision. Renee, please accept our deepest sympathy and know that we are here for you always.

Gerald Fuller

November 20, 2009

Dear Joe, I fondly recall our many times together. It was always a thrill to work through designs for rheometers with you. Your ideas were plentiful and inspirational; your integrity was unquestionable; your smile was irrepressible.

Steve Driscoll

November 19, 2009

It was my distict honor and pleasure to have worked for and with Joe and his very talented staff at Rheometrics. He was the ultimate innovator and motivator. His was a unique vision for excellence in rheological instrumentation and its use in solving a wide range of global industrial problems. He was the consummate teacher...always challenging his colleagues to excel, succeed, and question what more is needed.
I am very grateful that I was able to visit Joe in August, to thank him for the wonderful opportunities he gave me, and how very much he was appreciated and respected by his Rheometrics family.

To Renee, words are inadequate to express my sincerest sympathy for her terrible loss. I am most grateful for her unselfish kindness during my visit and for being the love of Joe's all to brief life.

Ignatius "IGGY" Chan

November 19, 2009

Joe thanks for the time we have together while I was working for you, you have been my mentor and good friend, you will be missed and our prayer will always be with you.

Jay Patel

November 19, 2009

Joe Starita, our former leader at Rheometrics was an inspiration to me to start my new business (Patel Scientific) in January 2003 to help continue support & service for Rheometrics instruments. I am sad to hear his passing away and he will be missed. My deepest sympathy to Joe's family.

Brad Barchus

November 19, 2009

I really enjoyed working for Joe at Rheometrics. I have many good memories of my years there. Joe will be missed.

Don Becker

November 19, 2009

Just wanted to say how saddened I was to hear of Joe’s passing. Joe was an inspiration to many, and I personally learned a lot from him. I wouldn’t be doing what I am today without the opportunities given to me by Joe and my time at Rheometrics. Everyone in the rheology industry knew and respected Joe, and customers would often brag that they bought “one of Joe’s first rheometers” (there must have been a lot of “first rheometers”).
I have many fond memories of Rheometrics (and quite a few stories!), but I will always remember Joe as a charismatic leader who wasn’t afraid to try new things. Rheometrics under Joe’s leadership was often amazing, sometimes frustrating, but never boring. Rest in peace, Joe. You will be missed.

Linda Dousis

November 19, 2009

My deepest sympathy to Joe's daughters, father and brothers.

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