Robert Martin Stark

Newark - Robert Martin Stark, 87, of Newark, Delaware died on November 18, 2017. Born and raised on Long Island, New York, to the late Yolanda and Alex Stark

Robert graduated from the public schools in 1948. He attended Long Island University and The Johns Hopkins University (A.B., 1951). At the University of Michigan (M.A., 1952) he met and married Carol LaSage (dec.1988) in 1955. They raised four children.

Robert was employed briefly at Bausch & Lomb, Rochester Institute of Technology, and as Assistant Dean of Engineering and Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Cleveland State University until 1962 when he came to the University of Delaware as an Instructor (Ph.D., 1965). He rose to Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (2003). He authored many research papers and books and was Visiting Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at M.I.T. (1972-73).

Robert was a lifelong student of American History, a colleague stimulated his interest in Benjamin Franklin. He has taught several large classes and completed a manuscript," Benjamin Franklin, An American Innovator". He published research on the first silver dollars of the United States and formed one of the largest collections of them over 45 years.

Robert was also a member of scientific societies and Fellow of the AAAS, he volunteered and served on many boards and offices of non-profits; some for decades as, Delaware Academy of Science, Generations Home Care, Delaware Heritage Commission, and UD Association of Retired Faculty (founder), WHYY Community Advisory Board, among others. He received an Outstanding Alumnus Award from the UD College of Engineering.

Robert Martin Stark is survived by four children; Bradley of Coral Gables, FL; Timothy (Joan) of Urbana, IL; Steven (Kathleen) of Ft. Myers, FL, and Candice Combs of Havelock, N.C., and eight loving grandchildren and loving partner, Phyllis Franklin Bierstedt and brother, F. Richard Stark, in Potomac, MD. In addition to his parents, Robert is preceded in death by his wife, Carol LaSage.

Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. To send online condolences, please visit www.rtfoard.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News Journal from Nov. 21 to Nov. 23, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Stark

Sponsored by R.T. Foard & Jones, Inc. - Newark.

23 Entries

nick henry

December 26, 2017

I met Mr. Stark through the Iron Hill Merit Badge Center (provided by the Delaware Academy of Science). A great man who will be deeply missed. Thoughts and Prayers to his family.

Ocie

December 13, 2017

I met Bob through the Wilmington Great Books Council discussions. Whenever he was at a discussion, the discussion benefited. His contributions by way of recommending authors and readings was greatly appreciated and I miss his advice.

Scientist though he was, he also enjoyed the theater. I remember he was a member of a group that attended The People's Light and Theater Company's excellent day-long production of "Sister Carrie". It was a day enjoyed by all, none more than Bob.

Stan Sandler

December 2, 2017

I have known Bob for most of my 50 years at the university of Delaware. He provided useful advice as I was starting my career, and he has always been a fun luncheon companion. Perhaps most importantly, he set a standard for serious scholarship, and as such was a role models for many of is junior colleagues.

Kathleen Tague

November 30, 2017

Bob was a great neighbor, with a robust and generous heart. In spite of being a math/science guy most of his life, he was also an art lover and we had many invigorating conversations about the theatre over the years. He kind, cheerful, intelligent and supportive of so many... he left this world a better place for having lived in it. I will miss him.

Charlie and Mimi Link

November 28, 2017

We were saddened to hear of Bob's death and we send our warmest thoughts to his loved ones. Bob led a very meaningful life and his impact through his teaching and community involvement has brightened the future for many. We always enjoyed spending time with this bright and generous man. He will be missed.

Liam O'Keefe

November 24, 2017

Robert Stark was a great man. When I was a student at UD, Robert was a tremendous mentor to me. He offered measured guidance and he instilled in me a competitive desire to win that I'll always be grateful for. He was a consistent friend and he continuously challenged himself and others to be at their best in everything they did. I'm proud to have known him. Rest In Peace.

Chris Waisanen

November 23, 2017

Bob was a friend from the UM club of DE and OLLI. I had a lovely lunch with him and Barbara recently. He was such a genuine, warm man as well as a scholar. He will indeed be missed. My sympathies. Chris Waisanen, Past President, UMDE

donald lawrence

November 22, 2017

Sorry for your loss Candace. What a great man. Don Lawrence.

Sean Rule

November 21, 2017

Thank you, Dr. Stark, for instilling in me some of the great strengths of a teacher: knowing when to talk, and when to listen. I'll miss you terribly.

Sam Waltz

November 21, 2017

Sandi and I send our prayers for the Peace that Passeth Understanding to Bob's family on the occasion of his passing.

Bob was a fine man who will be missed.

Although we each had the University of Delaware connection, we built our relationship over the last 25 years via our memberships in and passion for both the Lincoln Club of Delaware, one of the country's oldest and largest clubs dedicated to the legacy of the 16th President, and the Rotary Club of Wilmington, where our focus was community service as well as outstanding programs for our members.

Bob always was curious, thoughtful and engaging. I valued his ethics and integrity, the candor that comes with seniority, and his great sense of humor. Although our relationship never had the occasion to evolve to that inner circle friendship, I felt each of us valued the other, and it was a great privilege to know Bob.

Our condolences to the Stark Family on your loss.

Cynthia Morgan

November 21, 2017

I am so very sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of getting to know your father when he was a member of The Rotary Club of Wilmington. He was clearly very intelligent and yet always humble. He will be missed.

Michael Piovsoo

November 21, 2017

I am deeply saddened to learn that Bob has passed. I was a PhD student at UD in the late 60's and took several classes with Bob. He was one of the great human beings on this planet. He was kind, thoughtful and very bright. I learned a great deal with him and am greatly indebted. My sincere condolence to his family. Take solace in knowing that he was loved by everyone who crossed his path.

Patrick Mwerinde

November 21, 2017

Robert will be missed. He was a true colleague. We shared books on Discrete Mathematics. He was a genuine kind man. I extend my condolences to his family. May he have eternal peace.

Bradley Skelcher

November 21, 2017

It saddens me to know that Bob will no longer be with us, but will always be with us in our memories. Bob was one of the first people that I met when I first arrived in Delaware over 27 years ago. He was a devout student of Delaware History having served on the Delaware Heritage Commission for many years even though he was a mathematician. I am and will continue to miss Bob. He was a friend and colleague. My prayers are with his family and friends. I offer my condolences to them and thank them for sharing Bob with the rest of the historical community in Delaware for so many years.

Anne Boylan

November 21, 2017

Very sorry to hear of Bob's death. He had great enthusiasm for History, which I always appreciated. I will miss seeing him at lectures in both Newark and Wilmington. My condolences to his family. --Anne Boylan, UD Professor Emerita of History

Mary Ellen Stachnik

November 21, 2017

I am so sorry to learn of Bob's passing. He was a true scholar, gentleman and friend. He opened his home and his heart to many students over decades. We will miss our wonderful neighbor and friend.
Mary Ellen Stachnik

Sue Getman

November 21, 2017

I was saddened to read of Bob's passing. He was a longtime member of the Wilmington Senior Center Board of Directors during part of the time when I was the center's executive director. Bob was creative, encouraging and compassionate, and always a gentleman. I valued his contributions greatly. His family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Rakesh

November 21, 2017

Professor Stark was a senior faculty member when I joined the math department of the University of Delaware as an Assistant Professor. He was always kind, had helpful advice, shared with me his interesting work in Operations Research, and later shared with me the useful books he wrote on Operations Research and Discrete Mathematics. He was known for his excellent teaching and influenced many students during his long career.

Holly Hill

November 21, 2017

Dear Steve, Candi, Tim & Brad,

Please know how much you are all in my thoughts and prayers as you experience the loss of your dad. Your father was a good man and my last moments with him were warm and friendly as we discussed a trip down Memory Lane and experienced laughter and tears. He loved each of you very much and expressed to me how proud he was of each of you. Having recently lost my own father, it's my hope you can find comfort in your fondest memories.

Thinking of you all.

In sympathy,

November 21, 2017

Dear Candi,

I know it's been forever since we've seen each other. I just wanted to let you , and your family know I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Wishing you loving memories of your Mom and Dad.

Jack Markell

November 21, 2017

So sorry to learn of Bob's passing. He was always a gentleman and interested in others, rather than focusing on himself. He will be missed.

John Anderson

November 20, 2017

I am very sorry to hear that Dr Stark has passed away. He was an undergrad professor of mine in 61 or 62. I liked him and bumped into him on campus from time to time in the years since.

Jim Neal

November 20, 2017

Prof. Stark, Bob, was an exceptional individual. He contributed positively to any organization that he became involved with. Whether professionally at the Universities in which he had an appointment, or in any of the many civic (Rotary, Del. Academy of Science, Boy Scout Merit Badge Center, Friends of the Newark Free Library, the Osher Center) and professional organizations in which he chose to benefit with his attention. He will be remembered and missed.

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