Douglas Thomas Stark

Douglas Stark, 72 of South Lebanon, PA is now walking alongside Jesus in Eternal Glory.  He passed away March 20, 2025 peacefully at home after an illness, surrounded by his beloved family.  Born in Holyoke, MA July 11, 1952 to the late Stella A. (Olbrys) and Robert J. Stark, he was a 1971 graduate of Chicopee Comprehensive High Schol and a Graduate of the Culinary Trade School.  Doug was a Professional Chef initially at several colleges and summer camps in MA and PA.  Between 1979 until 1999, Doug became the proud Owner/Chef of the Jefferson Inn, Thompson, PA.  Doug was also the Food Service Director of Camp Ladore/Ladore Lodge owned by the Salvation Army in Waymart, PA.  Prior to Doug’s retirement he was the Food Service Director and known as “Chef Doug” at the Gerrity Supermarkets in the Scranton region of PA.  He had a passion for sharing the Gospel of Jesus.  On his deathbed, he said, I’m going HOME to Jesus”, and he asked his caregivers, “Do YOU know my JESUS”?  Doug also loved his Church LCBC (Lives Changed by Christ), his family, classic cars, and was a 20-year “Lifetime” member of the Thompson Hose Co.  Upon moving to the Lebanon region of PA, he promptly joined Car Clubs and attended car shows when his health permitted.

Doug was a proud father of his 3 sons, Jeremy (Amanda), Jared (Angel) and Jason (Julianne).  He has fostered many foster children, especially Margaret, Kathy, BJ (Tracy) and Albert (Mariola).  Doug and his wife Margaret (Everett) celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in July of 2024.  He was a wonderful father, husband, brother, uncle and friend to all he met.  Doug has numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews who will sorely miss him, his sense of humor, his love and his cooking.

Doug was predeceased by his parents, brothers Robert and David, sisters Beverly, Geraldine and foster daughter Kathy.  Doug’s remaining siblings are Virginia (McGann) of Turners Falls, MA, Janice (partner Robert Bartash) of Middletown, DE, Gary (Mary Alice) of Chicopee, MA, sister-in-law Mary (David) of Holyoke, MA and an Aunt Carole Slattery (Uncle Ed) of Windsor, CT.

A celebration of Doug’s life will be April 5, 2025, 4:00pm at the LCBC Church in Lebanon, PA.