VERO BEACH — Richard A. “Dick” Stark passed away at his John’s Island home in the early morning hours of Oct. 6, at the age of 94.
One of Vero’s most well-known and respected philanthropists, his name graces the Stark Main Stage at Riverside Theatre as well as the Stark Gallery at the Vero Beach Museum of Art.
Stark was equally influential with life’s less glamorous organizations as a longtime advocate of those less fortunate. He was the founder and board chairman of the Treasure Coast Homeless Services County, which has become the lead agency for the Continuum of Care for Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin Counties. He also served on the boards of numerous other local nonprofits.
Stark moved permanently to Vero Beach in 1990 following a successful career as an attorney in New York City and was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Barbara, who died on Sept. 12, 2011. Her death came ten years and one day after Stark’s miraculous 9-11 escape from what remained of the World Trade Center Marriott Hotel after the collapse of the south tower.
He was fortunate to meet and in 2013 marry the second love of his life, Diana Osbahr Stark, who survives him, as do his five children; Susan S. Woglom, Esq., Margaret L. Stark, CPA, Sarah S. Oldham, Esq., Barbara S. Baxter, MD, and Richard J. Stark, Esq., along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Notice of memorial services to follow.
