Sean Owen Starkey

1977 - 2021

Sean Owen Starkey
Durham - July 4th is known as the day the U.S. gained independence, but going forward it will also be known by many as the day we lost the most remarkable man with a larger-than-life smile and infectious personality. Before the magnificent display of fireworks had a chance to make our jaws drop, they dropped in shock and dismay from the news that Sean Starkey passed away unexpectedly in his Durham, NH home at the too young age of 43, weeks before his 44th birthday. Sean left behind his wife, Jessica, of 16 years, and his incredible son Henry, also known by family and friends as "Hopper," at the tender age of 10. Going forward July 4th will also be a celebration of Sean's life, and as we watch the magnificent fireworks light up the sky, we will be reminded of the spectacular and full life Sean led.
Sean was born July 23rd, 1977 in Nashua, NH as the third child and only son of David and Genevieve (Soos) Starkey. He graduated from Bishop Guertin High School in 1995 and went on to become a proud Wildcat at the University of New Hampshire from 1995-1999, graduating with a B.A. in Political Science. He returned to Durham in 2003 with his fiancé Jessica where they bought their first home on Madbury Road in the heart of the town, community, and university he so loved.
Sean married the love of his life on June 4th, 2005 at Trinity Episcopal Church in York Harbor, ME. Sean and Jessica loved to travel and to visit friends and family, near and far. They took several once in a lifetime trips to Ireland, Scotland and Australia. Sean had a flare for making friends everywhere he went. He lit up a room as soon as he walked in and left a lasting impression with all.
Sean and Jessica were blessed to bring Henry into the world in 2011. Sean and Henry had an incredible bond. No father could love his son more than Sean. He always spoke about Hopper to everyone he encountered - Friends, family, colleagues, and clients. He spent as much time as he could with his family, and everyone knew how much he loved, adored and treasured Jessica and Henry.
Professionally Sean wore many hats. He was an entrepreneur, mortgage officer, educator, philanthropist, and civil servant. Sean started a cell phone company in 2001 with his college roommate, and they had a Sunday morning Sports talk radio show on WMEX. From there, they went on to start a mortgage company. Over the next 17 years, Sean worked as a Loan Originator, Branch Managers, and ultimately, Director of Sales. His passion for helping people and his patience and ability to educate others made him one of the best Mortgage Officers and Directors in the state of New Hampshire and New England. Sean went above and beyond for his clients, always answering his phone and making himself available whenever needed. He loved mentoring other Loan Officers and Managers. His love of helping others spread into giving back to his community. Sean gave his time and service to the Seacoast Science Center, Relay for Life, Rotary, Great Bay Stewards, Berwick Academy, Durham Community Food Pantry, Toys for Tots, and so many more wonderful and worthy organizations. Sean served in various capacities --Alternate, Member and Chair-- of the Durham Zoning Board from 2008-2019. Sean loved to tell stories, loved to inspire, a "Go Getter", and a valued contributor in his community, even at a young age. As a child he was a paper boy for the Nashua Telegraph and earned the distinction of, "Paperboy of the Month," twice for his excellence in customer service. He always loved to work and serve. He enjoyed watching and attending Boston sports teams. It is difficult to think of Sean without his trusty Red Sox hat – ever present and true. Sean appreciated music, had an amazing singing voice, spent many weekends skiing or playing tennis with family and friends and enjoyed his time up on Lake Winnipesaukee.
Sean was a staple in his community, helping people time and time again. He was a member of the St. George Episcopal Church in Durham. Sean's generosity of time and love left an impression on so many over the years. He was a favorite uncle amongst his nieces and nephews; he loved his immediate and extended family, cherished his trips to NJ to see his cousins Brett and Scott, loved his sisters Colleen and Lisa and their families, and adored his parents David and Genevieve. He spent an incredible amount of time with his in-laws, especially his mother-in law, Joyce. He was a brother to so many of his friends, because Sean was not just your friend, he was your family. He had an enormous heart that he shared with the world, a contagious smile, unmatched energy, integrity, honor, humility and most importantly selflessness. He always thought of others first. Sean will be sorely missed, never forgotten and celebrated by friends and family every day, and especially every July 4th.
The Memorial Service will be held Saturday July 17th at 1pm at St. George Episcopal Church, 1 Park Court, Durham, NH 03824
The Memorial Reception will be at The Atlantic Grill, 5 Pioneer Road, Rye, NH 03870 from 2:30-5:30pm. Refreshments will be served.
In lieu of flowers, donations to "Henry Starkey Educational Fund c/o Jessica Starkey" may be brought into any TD Bank location or checks mailed to:
TD Bank
1500 Lafayette Road
Portsmouth, NH 03801