Gilbert Stark

Gilbert Stark was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1930. Unusually for the time, both of his parents were dentists. He spent his childhood with his older sister Rita. Gil was always interested in photography from a young age. He took photos at every opportunity and was the photo editor of his school newspaper and yearbook. In addition, he relished opportunities to be the master of ceremonies at school events and was later voted the “Class Actor.” After completing high school, he studied photographic engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology. In his senior year he met Sheila Diamond at a synagogue dance in Brooklyn.

After graduation, he began his photographic career at Pavelle Color Inc. From 1951 to 1953 he proudly served two years of active duty in the U S Marine Corps during the Korean War. Upon release from active duty with the rank of Staff Sergeant, he continued his photographic engineer career and worked at Ansco in Binghamton, NY while serving a further six years of reserve duty in the Marine Corps.

On July 3, 1955 he married Sheila, the love of his life. The following September, they moved to Los Angeles, settling in Granada Hills in 1958. As the Western Regional Manager of Field Technical Services, Gil was responsible for field technical support of the sales force in fourteen western states for GAF. He joined Ilford in 1979, after GAF discontinued their photographic product line, meeting colleagues who would become lifelong friends. Gil retired in 1995.

Gil was honored with a National Service Award from the National Chapter of the Society of Photographic Scientists and Engineers (SPSE). As a Senior Member of the Society, he served in every office of the organization, including President of the Southern California Chapter as well as the vice president of the first National Chapter.

Above and beyond his successful career, the most important thing to Gil was his family. He was married for 64 happy years to “the most wonderful woman I have ever known.” They have two children. Their daughter Karyn’s family includes husband Bill Spear and two daughters, Emily and Alyssa. Their son Randall (Rory) is married to Denise Neapolitan and lives in Cambridge, UK. Gil always looked forward to being surrounded by those he dearly loved at family gatherings.

From their first trip in 1969, Gil was hooked on RV travelling with his family. In 1997, Gil and Sheila joined the Lovin’ Levelers RV Club which became their extended family. Gil served two terms as president of the club.

Gil will be dearly missed by his many friends and family members.