Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Walter Stark Obituary
Born to Walter Jackson Stark Sr. and Lucy Anderson Stark on August 21, 1942, in Oklahoma City, OK, he graduated from Harding High School in 1960, where he was a state champion swimmer. He attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated from the College of Medicine in 1967. He completed both his residency training in Ophthalmology and fellowship in Cornea and External Diseases at the Wilmer Eye Institute of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD. Dr. Stark also served as a physician at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD.
Dr. Stark joined the Faculty of the Wilmer Institute in 1973 and was elevated to the rank of Professor of Ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins and served as Director of the Corneal and Cataract Services. As an educator, he transferred pertinent first-hand knowledge and skills to his students and other physicians worldwide. Dr. Stark's distinguished professional career, spanning more than 50 years, led to his reputation as an internationally recognized leader in the areas of corneal surgery, corneal transplantation, intraocular lens implantation, and the use of the excimer laser for the rehabilitation of patients with visual disability. A gifted and talented ophthalmic surgeon, Dr. Stark was called upon by dignitaries and improved or preserved the sight of countless people in countries around the world.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology honored Dr. Stark with their Life Achievement award in 2015. Dr. Stark developed and conducted numerous Continuing Medical Education courses in Ophthalmology advancing eye care knowledge and educating providers on the latest concepts in the field. His tireless commitment has been recognized through awards and invitations as a distinguished lecturer and keynote speaker in Ophthalmology. He held the Dr. Walter J. Stark Chair in Ophthalmology and the Boone Pickens Professorship in Ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins University. He was a founding leader in establishing Medical Eye Banking of Maryland and Director of the Medical Board of Directors at Tissue Banks International. He served as the Chair of the Ophthalmic Device Panel with the FDA prioritizing patient safety.
Dr. Stark was recognized for his achievement as an active professional, noted professor, and accomplished administrator. He took pride in educating and mentoring his residents and fellows, many of whom are now among the world's leading ophthalmologists. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy and a lasting contribution to humanity.
Above his professional accomplishments was his loving commitment to family and friends.
Married to the love of his life, Polly, for 60 years, he was father to three wonderful children and grandfather "Poppy" to nine grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time between Baltimore, MD, his home for over 40 years, Rehoboth Beach, DE, and Longboat Key, FL. Walter loved traveling the world with his family, skiing, cycling on the boardwalk, relaxing on the beach, eating crabs, tending to his tomatoes, and feeding hummingbirds in his garden.
He is survived by Polly, children Heather Stark, Walter J. Stark III (Jay), Melissa Stark Lilley and grandchildren Matthew, Christopher, and Emma Anderson; Walter J. IV (Jack) and Henry Stark; Mikey, Jackson, Clara and Clemmie Lilley; and his siblings Penny Replogle, Susan Moorman and Jeff Moorman. He is pre-deceased by his parents, his second mother Mary Lou Stark, brother Stephen Stark, and sister Debbie White.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Dr. Walter J. Stark to the University of Florida Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, PO BOX 100243, Gainesville, FL 32610. Donations will be used for research and treatment of Parkinson's Disease.
Donation and recognition link: UF Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Stark
Sponsored by The Baltimore Sun.
Masrour
October 9, 2024
What a great person.
What a great surgeon.
I loved him so much.
He preformed a cornea transplant on me and saved my vision for life. He is guaranteed a place in heaven
Mr. Masrour
Jo Ann Liberto
August 11, 2024
I am extremely saddened by Walter´s death. A smile that captures all!
Nancy K Stoner
August 10, 2024
Dr. Stark´s surgery about 10 years ago changed my life. I am so grateful to him for giving me sight.
Susan Pecaro
June 13, 2024
I just learned of Dr. Stark's passing this morning whlie preparing for my visit to WIlmer. I think of him often because I only knew him a short time during 2008 when he performed surgery on my eyes, but he changed my life so much for the better. I had had poor vision my entire life and was referred to him because my eye doctor did not think I would pass my next driver's license. I still had young kids at the time. Indeed Dr. Stark mentioned I had unusally poor eyes, which coming from him was saying something. However, no sooner did I receive my new lenses from him than an entire world opened up to me, an event my children still love telling stories about -- all of the things I had never noticed or appreciated. What a lovely man he was and how grateful I am to him still. May his memory be a blessing. Susan Pecaro
Alisa Zavala
March 18, 2024
Dr. Stark was an extremely intelligent, funny, interesting man. My heart goes out to his lovely wife Polly and his family whom he loved so.
I was fortunate to have him as a training client for a few years. He will be missed.
Harry and Cristina
March 10, 2024
We mourn the loss of a great guy and an amazing colleague and surgeon. When I needed cataract surgery, there was no question who I'd ask to do it. Polly, you and Walter were the social heart of our group, whether on Blythewood Road or at Manor Vail. Our families grew together and I remember those times with great fondness. Please let us know how to stay in touch. Harry and Cristina
Ruth H Smith
March 7, 2024
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Paul Davis
March 7, 2024
I would like to give my heart felt condolences to the Stark family. Dr. Stark was a true southern gentleman, a long term friend of our family and helped give us the best eye care available. I am sure my father is waiting to greet him in the gates of heaven.
Bert Jones
March 7, 2024
Heartfelt condolences to Polly and the family of Dr.Stark. He made a lasting impact on my personal and professional life when I met him in his role as Baltimore Colts eye physician in l973. Our shared love of the outdoors led to fun adventures quail hunting in Texas, goose hunting on the Eastern Shore, and even showing me his new laser in his office. He was a fine man and great friend who will be missed by many. Bert and Danni Jones.
Amie Sue Zimmerman Nochumowitz
March 7, 2024
My deepest condolences to the family. I worked for Walter, of blessed memory after graduating college in 1978. He gave me the opportunity to work on NIH Grants using HLA antigen matching for high risk patients who previously had rejected their corneal transplants. Many days I was there to appease the 50+ patients waiting hours and hours to see Walter! Yet when they finally got into the room he made them feel like they were his only patient. It was a privilege and honor to watch his miracles helping people to have vision once again.
May the family take pride in knowing he is at peace and what a wonderful man he was to so many.
Amie Sue Zimmerman Nochumowitz
Linda May
March 6, 2024
As charge nurse of one of his O.R.´s, as well as his patient, I was fortunate to know Dr. Stark for many years. We worked hard in the O.R. on those Wednesdays, but it was gratifying and at the end of the day, Dr. Stark always stopped by the room to thank us before he left.
As a world renowned physician he was friends with and surgeon of many famous people, yet he was a down to earth, southern gentleman. He liked his country music in the O.R. and he had a winsome sense of humor. Because a number of the nursing staff enjoyed working with him, a former nurse manager dubbed us "The Starkettes!"
He loved sending us pictures of his beloved family which we´d print out and hang in a prominent place near the OR front desk.
He seemed bigger than life, so it´s hard to accept that he´s gone from here, but I look forward to seeing him on the other side. Hope there´s country music playing.
My deepest sympathy to Polly, Heather, Jay and Melissa and all WJS´s beautiful grandkids. Praying for our Lord to comfort and strengthen them.
Linda May
JOHN LOPEZ
March 6, 2024
Upon being hired by the Baltimore Colts in 1979 I was made aware that we had opthmalogy services available. Never having full blown service like this was a real pleasure. More importantly was the care & education that I received taking care of the Colts players. Dr. Stark helped establish our "emergency eye plan" that many teams in the NFL didn't have. Not only did he care so well for our players he also became a mentor to me as a Athletic Trainer. Couple that with extraordinary service I received from Scarlett Fisher I felt I was royalty. He made me a better Athletic Trainer & he cared for both my late Wife & Mother-in-law. Rest easy. Peace
Joe washington
March 6, 2024
My condolences to the Doctors´ family. A great man and fine gentleman. Honored to be a fellow Sooner alum
Lydia Eichberg-Tyszko
March 6, 2024
Our Mom worked with Dr. Stark for many years at Wilmer. She was very fond of him. We send our deepest condolences to Polly and the entire Stark family.
The family of the late Jeri Eichberg
Jo Ann Saia Liberto
March 5, 2024
Ron Michaels Ron Smith Dan Jones Pat Wilkinson Steve Ryan such fun guys! Taking Azalea bushes from downtown for WJS house! Brilliant men who always made me laugh! I learned so much from them! God bless all of them! Deepest sympathy to Polly, Melissa, Jay and Heather and their families! With prayers and sorrow for all.
Samuel Stoleru MD
March 5, 2024
My most heartfelt condolence to Polly and rest of family. May he rest in peace.
Nancy and Paul Lidard
March 5, 2024
Polly and family,
It was a privilege to work with you and Dr. Stark on your beautiful home in Baltimore. When you work in someone's home, you really get to know who they are. Dr. Stark was a true gentleman, world renowned and brilliant yet humble and respectful of everyone in his orbit. Please accept our deepest condolences on your loss. May his memory be a blessing.
Nancy and Paul Lidard
Lidco Construction
Glenn Shake and Bake Doughty
March 4, 2024
Dr. Stark saved my Colts career in 1975. He performed an eye procedure that allowed me to begin Shaking and Baking for the Colts and win three straight Eastern Division Championships `75-77. God Bless Dr. Stark.
Glenn Doughty #35
Glenn Doughty
March 4, 2024
Hi Melissa,
So sorry to hear about your Dad´s passing. In 1975 the year we started Shakin´ and Bakin´ to win the Eastern Division Championship that summer your Dad saved my career by performing a rare and risky procedure that was high risk to my damaged eye and eye socket. After scoring a touchdown in.Denver my eye was struck by a defensive back with a force that fractured my eye socket and entrapped my eyeball. It was the hardest I was hit in my 8 years with the Colts. I had a concussion, was in serious pain and was seeing double. After several attempts Dr. Stark said Glenn we will try this last option otherwise you´ll need surgery and be lost for the season. After numbing the eyeball your dad used large forceps to pull my eyeball out of the socket´s fracture and the eye snapped back in place. I was immediately good to go! The rest is history! Thank God for your awesome Dad!
Irene C. Kuo
March 4, 2024
Very sorry to hear this news and sending condolences to Polly, Heather, Melissa, Jay, and their children. Walter led the Cornea Division when I was recruited for the Wilmer at White Marsh directorship. He and Drs. John Gottsch, Terry O'Brien, Nick Iliff, Nada Jabbur, Mort Goldberg along with Myrna Goldberg attended the open house, which I greatly appreciated. He also was a close colleague of the people who taught and inspired me at USC, Wilmer alums Drs. Ron Smith and Stephen Ryan. Very grateful for these colleagues and mentors, who were always quick to offer advice.
BARRY BLUM
March 4, 2024
BARRY AND ILENE BLUM SEND OUR CONDOLENCES TO POLLY AND THE STARK FAMILY. TENNIS AND GOLF WITH WALTER AND POLLY AT THE WILMER METTINGS IN PUERTO RICCO WERE SOME OF THE MOST ENJOYABLE TIMES OF OUR LIFE, CHRISTMAS PARTIES WERE ELEGANT AND WE MET MANY INTERSTING PEOPLE. WALTER ALWAYS HAD MY BACK WHEN CALLED UPON DURING MY YEARS IS PRACTICE. HE WAS A GREAT TEACHER AND OBSERVING HIS SURGICALS SKILL WAS A FACINATING LEARNING OPPORTUNITY. HE WILL ALWAYS BE THE BEST IN MANY WAYS. A PRIVLEDGE TO KNOW AND WORK WITH HIM. LOVE TO POLLY
Stan Coleman
March 4, 2024
So sorry to learn of Walter’s passing. He was Mr. Wilmer to me. He was a great mentor and friend.My condolences to Polly and family.
Susan Sanford
March 4, 2024
Poly, I´m so very sad for your loss! Walter had such a remarkable professional life but also a deep commitment to you and the family. It was evident every time I saw you that family was first in his life. I love you all very much. Susan Sanford.
Divya Srikumaran
March 4, 2024
Keeping the entire Stark Family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Kathi & Joe Terlizzese
March 3, 2024
Walter touched and profoundly changed the lives of countless people... including ours. We will forever treasure all the times we enjoyed with him and his family over the past 3 decades. As a King of ophthalmology, we were privileged to benefit from his expert care. As a mentor, he inspired us to make service to the blind our life's work. As a friend, he was always there.
Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with Polly, Melissa, Heather, Jay, and their families.
Kathi and Joe Terlizzese
Earl ingram
March 3, 2024
Karen and Earl Ingram send you and your family our prayers.
John and Mark Gambo
March 3, 2024
Our prayers to Polly, Melissa, Jay and Heather and their families.
Gerald (Jerry) Cole
March 3, 2024
Dear Polly and family ... I am so sad to learn of Walter's passing. He was a great friend to the Medical Eye Bank of MD and Tissue Banks International as well as to me during my years at TBI. Of all his more widely recognized accomplishments, his leadership at TBI helped eliminate patient waiting lists for lack of donor cornea in the United States ... an accomplishment unmatched, no, unheard of, in transplantation at that time. As if that was not good enough, Walter helped TBI establish eye banks in so many countries so the gift of sight could be realized in all corners of the world.
For me, personally, his guidance and counsel were so valuable to me during the time I was President/CEO at TBI. But more so, Walter was a great friend to me and our time together at TBI stands tall in my heart. Regards to all, Jerry (and Susan) Cole
Scarlett Fisher
March 3, 2024
I worked as secretary to Walter J. Stark, M.D. for 17 years. He was a giant in the field of Ophthalmology. The reason for his greatness is that he loved what he did. Rest in peace Sir. To Polly, Heather, Jay and Melissa I am so sorry for your loss and will pray for your comfort during this difficult time.
Scarlett Fisher
Morton F. Goldberg, M.D. Director Emeritus of the Wilmer Eye Institute
March 3, 2024
Professor Walter Stark was one of the most gifted, succesful and prolific ocular surgeons in the world. He specialized in corneal transplantation and cataract extraction at his alma mater, the Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He was widely admired, and was cherished as a friend, colleague, and "court of last resort" surgical consultant and personal surgeon. He is greatly missed by his innumerable friends, patients, admirers, and colleagues. Our deepest sympathies are extended to Polly, Melissa, Heather, Jay, and their families./MortonF. Goldberg, M.D.
Bob Adams
March 3, 2024
Someone who made a huge difference by living his life & will be missed. Bob & Diane Adams
Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results
Make a Donation
in Walter Stark's name
Memorial Events
for Walter Stark
How to support Walter's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Walter Stark's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
