Obituary for Mark A. Starr
Mark Alan Starr, age 69, on Monday, November 30, 2020. Loving husband of Andrea (Breslouf) Starr. Cherished father of Benjamin, Daniel, and Jesse Starr and devoted “in-law” to Daniel’s fiancé Molly Etters, and Jesse’s partner Chelsea Heniges. He was preceded in death by his brother Paul Starr, and sisters Deanna and Susan Starr. Born in Michigan, he was the son of the late Newell Dean and Wilma (Dernberger) Starr.
Mark spent the last 60 years in Acton, where he and his wife were raised. His heart and soul are still part of his home of 41 years on the “farm” on Elm St. where they raised their 3 boys, and welcomed a revolving door of many others from grade school through graduation years. Heavily influenced by the summers spent on his uncle Bill’s dairy farm in Michigan, his love of horses and all things Country and Western brought three horses to fill the field right after purchasing the house. Dano, Red and Sandy became infamous among Acton residents, as did Mark, ultimately earning himself the nickname “The Elm Street Cowboy.”
Mark lived for sports, a trait he passed on to his three sons. In high school he excelled in soccer, track and basketball. He then attended UMASS Amherst, where he played basketball. His favorite story was about being “dunked” on by Julius Irving on his first day of practice. In his adult life, Mark's passion for sports transitioned to volleyball, at which he competed for many years. He then became the coach of the Acton Girls High School team, started the Acton High School boys volleyball program, and was named “Coach of the Year” during his tenure.
Mark was legendary for his generosity. As a lifelong builder, he always made himself available to help friends and family with projects, or to offer advice. No matter how busy, there was always time to lend a hand or sacrifice a weekend. Forty years of snowstorms had him up before dawn, plowing for friends and family - a task he never loved, but voluntarily completed to help others.
His kindness extended well beyond his circle of friends and family and recently, after retiring, Mark began a project to build a home for a disabled veteran. For years he talked about this project, and his burning desire to give back to those who made it possible for him and his children to enjoy a life of growing up in a town like Acton. With the Town’s generous donation of a building lot, his dream is coming to fruition. And with his long standing relationships in the construction industry, many have rallied resources around this project and are contributing many professional services. Come Home to Acton will be completed now not only to honor the veterans for whom this project was started, but for Mark as well.
Mark, we are all lost without you. You are sorely missed by your family and friends. Sleep in peace.
Your donations to Come Home to Acton will honor Mark’s legacy and forever keep his spirit alive. www.comehometoacton.org.
Memorial page actonfuneralhome.com
Mark spent the last 60 years in Acton, where he and his wife were raised. His heart and soul are still part of his home of 41 years on the “farm” on Elm St. where they raised their 3 boys, and welcomed a revolving door of many others from grade school through graduation years. Heavily influenced by the summers spent on his uncle Bill’s dairy farm in Michigan, his love of horses and all things Country and Western brought three horses to fill the field right after purchasing the house. Dano, Red and Sandy became infamous among Acton residents, as did Mark, ultimately earning himself the nickname “The Elm Street Cowboy.”
Mark lived for sports, a trait he passed on to his three sons. In high school he excelled in soccer, track and basketball. He then attended UMASS Amherst, where he played basketball. His favorite story was about being “dunked” on by Julius Irving on his first day of practice. In his adult life, Mark's passion for sports transitioned to volleyball, at which he competed for many years. He then became the coach of the Acton Girls High School team, started the Acton High School boys volleyball program, and was named “Coach of the Year” during his tenure.
Mark was legendary for his generosity. As a lifelong builder, he always made himself available to help friends and family with projects, or to offer advice. No matter how busy, there was always time to lend a hand or sacrifice a weekend. Forty years of snowstorms had him up before dawn, plowing for friends and family - a task he never loved, but voluntarily completed to help others.
His kindness extended well beyond his circle of friends and family and recently, after retiring, Mark began a project to build a home for a disabled veteran. For years he talked about this project, and his burning desire to give back to those who made it possible for him and his children to enjoy a life of growing up in a town like Acton. With the Town’s generous donation of a building lot, his dream is coming to fruition. And with his long standing relationships in the construction industry, many have rallied resources around this project and are contributing many professional services. Come Home to Acton will be completed now not only to honor the veterans for whom this project was started, but for Mark as well.
Mark, we are all lost without you. You are sorely missed by your family and friends. Sleep in peace.
Your donations to Come Home to Acton will honor Mark’s legacy and forever keep his spirit alive. www.comehometoacton.org.
Memorial page actonfuneralhome.com