William Park Starr

William P. “Bill” Starr, age 90, of Valencia, passed away on Wednesday evening, October 21, 2020, at Valencia Woods, St. Barnabas.

Born in Butler, PA on April 21, 1930, he was the son of the late H. Paul and Gladys V. Cruikshank Starr, Sr.

Bill was a graduate of Mars High School, Class of 1948.  He and his brother Paul were the first Eagle Scouts to be inducted into the Cooperstown Boy Scouts Troop 58.  He graduated from Edinboro University in 1953 where he played football and was a member of the wrestling team for all four years.  Bill was fond of his coaches and teammates and remained close with them thru his life.

He was the retired co-owner of H. P. Starr and Sons Inc. in Glade Mills and Evans City, PA.  His father, brother and he started the business in the 1940’s, hauling materials and then later expanded to a full-service lumber & hardware store along with J.I. Case construction and farm equipment.  He considered every employee and customer a friend and took great pride in knowing each personally.

Bill was baptized and a lifelong member of Glade Run Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder and taught Sunday School for 75 years.  He was a longtime member of the Board of Directors of Glade Run Cemetery Association.  He served the South Butler Community Meals on Wheels for years and loved visiting with the volunteers and meal recipients.

Active in Masonic Orders, he was a proud 33rd Degree Mason and a member of John E. Mair Lodge #729 F. & A.M. and the Syria Shrine and Consistory.

Bill had served in the United States Navy and Seabee’s Reserves from 1950-58 and earned an honorable discharge.

His greatest joy came from being a husband, father and grandfather.  His love for each family member was deeply felt and his sparkling smile was appreciated by everyone who knew him. 

Surviving is his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary Ann (Blakeley) Starr, who he married on March 5, 1960, loving father of Susan Starr of Palm Bay, FL., Sandie Starr Everhart (Nathan) of Edinboro and Sallie Starr Paracca (Pete) of Valencia, devoted grandfather of Jack Starr Paracca, Will Starr Paracca, Claire Everhart (Sharif), Rebecca Everhart Eades (John David) and Alexandra Everhart Gearing (Dillon), great grandfather of Josiah and Johnathon Eades and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother, H. Paul Starr, II.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there will be no viewing. Friends are invited to an in-car service at Glade Run Presbyterian Church parking lot, 1091 Pittsburgh Rd. Valencia, PA 16059 on Monday, October 26, 2020 at 11:00 AM.  Please park in the lot and tune into 88.1FM to listen to the service on your radio. The family will observe a drive-away farewell after the service. Private burial will be in Glade Run Cemetery, Middlesex Twp., PA. Memorials may be made to Glade Run Presbyterian Church, 1091 Pittsburgh Rd. Valencia, PA 16059 or to South Butler Community Meals on Wheels, 1091 Pittsburgh Rd. Valencia, PA 16059. Arrangements are under the direction of the McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, Inc. 238 Crowe Ave. Mars, PA 16046 and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.

The family is planning a memorial celebration to be held at a later date with details to follow.