John Stark

John H. Stark, 82, of Shippensburg, departed this life on the morning of Friday, February 16, 2024, at his home.

He was born on July 6, 1941, in Brooklyn, NY, a son of the late John and Norma Stark. John was a 1959 graduate of the LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, New York City. He was a United States Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, serving on the U.S.S. Topeka, enlisting on July 2, 1959 and honorably discharged on June 1, 1965.

John had a thirty-five year career at the Brooklyn Union Gas Company, retiring as a manager of transportation in 1997. He was a very active member of the Presbyterian Church in both New York and Shippensburg, serving as a Deacon and Elder. John was a member of the Oscar M. Hykes American Legion Post #223, Shippensburg, and the United States Navy Memorial Foundation. He was also a train and railroad enthusiast all throughout his life and was a member of the Harrisburg Chapter of the National Railroad Historical Society.

John is survived by his wife of twenty-eight years, Lorraine “Lori” G. (Martin) Stark, whom he married on September 30, 1995; five children, Bruce Stark and wife Nicole of Culpepper, VA, Gary Stark and wife Christie of Shirley, NY, Chad Hollwedel and wife Kristin of Ellicot City, MD, Debra Sprouse of Stanton, VA, and Steven Hollwedel and wife Ginger of Lancaster, PA; six grandchildren, John and Hailey Stark of Shirley, NY, Ryan and Emily Hollwedel of Ellicot City, MD, and Erin and Charlotte Sprouse of Stanton, VA; and one nephew.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his first wife, Louise; and his brother, Richard.

His funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, February 23, 2024, at the Shippensburg Presbyterian Church. Pastor Gary Rebok will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow in the Parklawns Memorial Gardens, Chambersburg. Viewing will be Thursday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc., Shippensburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shippensburg Presbyterian Church or a favorite charity of one’s choice.