Albert E. Starr

September 9 , 2027 - August 6, 2023

This prayer was found in Al’s wallet

Life is short, and we do not have too much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel the way with us,

So be swift to love and make haste to be kind. And may the Divine Mystery, who is beyond our ability to comprehend, But who made us, and who loves us, and who travels with us, Bless us and keep us in peace.

Albert Ellsworth Starr passed away peacefully from natural causes on August 6, 2023 at Avow Hospice in Naples, Florida Family members were present with him throughout his short illness and death. He was known to all of us as a kind and generous man, a deep lover of music, was quick to tell a story or a joke, as well as an important and involved member of his community.

Al was born in Parkersburg, WV on September 9, 1927, to the late Myrtle and Frederick Starr. Both of his parents had children by previous marriages, so Al was the youngest by several years of his eight siblings, many of whom helped raise him. They were a hard working, working class family. Dad graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1943 and joined the United States Navy, where he served as a harbor Quartermaster at Pearl Harbor for the duration of WWII He returned home and attended West Virginia University, as did many of his generation, through the GI Bill. He received a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He also courted and subsequently married Helen Marilyn Martin.

Al and his wife moved to Beckley, West Virginia, where he wrote for the Beckley newspaper. They subsequently relocated to Charleston, West Virginia, where he worked for Charleston Daily News until his retirement. Though his true love was writing, he accepted and thrived in the position of Advertising Director there. He loved golfing and playing bridge with his friends, was an active member of the Lion’s Club, of Rock Lake Presbyterian Church, of a local barbershop quartet, and of the South Charleston Circuit Court, where he served as a court justice and as a town judge.

After he was widowed, he courted and married Shirley Pecsok. They were blessed with an amazing 38 year second marriage. Dad and Shirley relocated to Naples in the late 80’s, where they were very active members at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church. Al was both an elder and a deacon there, taught bible study classes, and volunteered with both Habitat for Humanity and with St. Matthew’s House. He continued to enjoy the abundant golf and card playing opportunities with his friends, as well as spending time with family. In 2018, Al and Shirley moved into the community at Aston Gardens, where they had many friends already living, and made many more.

Al is survived by his children, Debbie Mellinger, her husband Si Bell; Jim Pecsok and his wife Barbara, Matt Starr and his wife Sophie, Tom Pecsok and his wife Ella, Amanda Starr and her husband Don; grandchildren Corie and her husband John, Daniel and his wife Anna, Tom and his wife Megan, Andrew and his wife Katy, Elizabeth and her husband Ryan, and Sarah Grace, Lucas and his wife Arielle, Casey, Jim and his wife Kayla, Maggie, Cole, and Helen; great grandchildren Claire, Cate, Ellie, Dan, Caroline, Finn, Lucy, Sadie, Parker, and Mary Alice.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 11:00 at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church.

Donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity, St. Matthew’s House, or Vanderbilt Presbyterian.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hodgesfhatnaplesmg.com for the Starr family.