Orin Houston "Charlie" Stark Jr.

1929 - 2016

Mystic - Orin Houston "Charlie" Stark Jr., 87, of Mystic, passed away on Wednesday, June 1, 2016, at the Fairview in Groton.

Mr. Stark was born Jan. 22, 1929, in Caledonia, Miss., to Mamie and Orin Stark Sr. He was married on May 21, 1954, in St. Louis, to the late Violet Mae (Jones) Stark, the love of his life. She passed away on Oct. 2, 2002.

Charlie started his career in the Navy for four years, later joining the Coast Guard as a master chief petty officer serving aboard the Coast Guard's Eagle. He retired in 1974, receiving many awards and commendations. Following his military career, he worked for the Coast Guard R & D, finally retiring in 1993.

Charlie was also a member of the Oxoboxo Masonic Lodge, # 116; as well as the Ancient Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, the Sphinx Bedouin Shrine Club and Sphinx Shrine Temple. His other memberships included life membership in the Groton Lodge of Elks, member at large of both the Fleet Reserve and American Legion, Retired Armed Forces Assoc., and the U.S.D.R.

After his retirement, Orin and his wife spent many happy years travelling in their RV and camping with the Seaport Sams Camping Group.

He leaves behind his daughter, Elizabeth Stark-Drury and her husband, Thomas, of Mystic; his two grandchildren, Thomas Stark-Drury and his wife, Jeanette, of Ledyard and Laura Violet Montafia and her husband, Jonathan, of Gales Ferry; and his four great-grandchildren, Christopher, Jonathan, Emma and Nathaniel. Charlie is also survived by his very special companion, Irene Jarvis.

Mr. Stark had also been predeceased by his three sisters, Wynola Hill, Glenda Capps and Janis Lauricella.

He was a loving father and grandfather and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, his family has requested donations be directed to the Shriners Children's Hospital, 516 Carew Ave., Springfield, MA 01104.

Please visit www.byles.com for directions to sign his guest book or to share a memory.