Donald Gregory Stark

Don was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on October 2, 1932. His father, Harry Newman Stark, was a U.S. foreign trade representative and diplomat stationed in Latin America, and his mother, Sylvia Masvidal Stark, was originally from Cuba. Don graduated in 1950 from Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg, Florida, and attended the University of Miami, where he earned a Bachelor of Education degree in 1956, and a Master’s degree in Mathematics in 1969. He taught mathematics at Southwest Miami High School, and spent the best part of his career teaching at Everglades School for Girls and later Ransom Everglades School in Coconut Grove, Florida, where he served as chairman of the mathematics department. Don was a consummate teacher, dedicated to his students, passionate about his subject, and lively, challenging, and engaged in the classroom. He shared his love of mathematics with countless students over the years, inspiring some to become math teachers themselves and hiring several to work in his department. He cared about his students deeply and kept in touch with many long after he had retired from teaching.

While his students were his first love, Don also enjoyed playing jai alai, watching professional sports, reading history, and playing bridge. He loved classic films and had a head full of movie trivia. In addition, he followed national politics avidly and enjoyed nothing better than provoking friends into heated debates about the state of the nation. We will always remember Don’s enduring patience, mischievous nature, rich intellect, feisty spirit, and fierce independence.

Don is survived by his sister, Sylvia Farrington, and by nieces Patricia Bays and Elizabeth Burney and nephews Michael, Jimmy, and Robert Chapman, as well as seven grand nieces and nephews and five great grand nieces and nephews. His sister, Naomi “Mimi” Chapman, passed away on June 27, 2012.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery. Donations in Don’s memory may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 5901 Reicher Drive, Austin, TX 78723.

To share memories of Don with his family, please visit www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com