Donald E. Starkweather
SANDY SPRING, Md. — Donald E. Starkweather, 90, formerly of Oneonta, passed away on Friday, Sept. 7, 2012, at the Brooke Grove Retirement Village in Sandy Spring, Md.
He was born on June 21, 1922, in Worcester, the son of the late David and Jeanne (Lincoln) Starkweather.
In 1942, Don married Charlotte Monington of Oneonta and enjoyed over 66 years of marriage until Charlotte’s passing in 2008.
Don graduated from Oneonta High School in 1939. After graduating high school, he worked as a salesman and fitter for Gardener’s Shoe Store in Oneonta.
He enlisted in the United States Army in 1942, and proudly served his country until his discharge in 1946. While in the Army, he was an instructor of teletyping for use with cryptographic equipment.
After his time in the Army, Don received a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in elementary education from SUNY Oneonta. Later he earned a master’s degree in science education from the University of Wisconsin. He went on to teach at the Bugbee School until its closing in 1975, and then became a professor at SUNY Oneonta.
Don was very involved in his church and community, serving as a Deacon at the West Oneonta Baptist Church and also hosting a radio program on Oneonta’s WDOS. He was also a volunteer for the West Oneonta Fire Department. After his retirement from SUNY Oneonta in 1985, Don taught at an American School in Caracas, Venezuela, and then he and Charlotte relocated to Roanoke, Va., where they resided for nearly 20 years.
In his spare time, Don was an avid chess player. As a father, grandfather, and great-grandpa, he loved spending time with his family.
Don is survived by his children, Richard A. Starkweather and his wife, Barbara of Bridgewater, N.J., David L. Starkweather and his wife, Traci of Longwood, Fla., Robert E. Starkweather of Tiger, Ga., Mary E. Christman and her husband, Dennis of Dalton, Pa., and Jan E. Carlson and her husband, William of Olney, Md. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and his sisters-in-law, Angie Monington and Irene Starkweather, both of Oneonta.
Don was predeceased by his wife, Charlotte; and his brother, Lee Starkweather.
Friends and family may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012, at the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oneonta, at which time his family will be receiving guests.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012, at the funeral home with the Rev. Mel Farmer, officiating. Interment will follow in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Worcester.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Don’s memory to your favorite charity.
To light a candle or share an online condolence to the family, please visit the website www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the care of the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.
