Dorothea J. Stark

Dorothea was predeceased by her beloved husband of more than 45 years, Dr. Thomas A. Stark. She also is predeceased by her parents Joseph and Mary (nee Williams) Hogan; her sister Margaret Sikora, and brothers Walter and Joseph Hogan.

Surviving are her three children, Patty Ribeiro and her husband, Edgar, of Staten Island; Tom Stark and his wife, Brita, of Port Charlotte, Florida; and Rich Stark and his wife, Theresa, of New York City. She is survived as well by her four grandchildren, Cassandra Ribeiro Gorgievski; Jason Ribeiro; Andrew Ribeiro, and Nicole Stark Defliese. Also, six great grandchildren, Alexa Gorgievski; Silvio and Marcelo Ribeiro; and Henry, Alan and Naomi Ribeiro. And she leaves behind a trove of loving nieces and nephews.

Born September 14, 1929, in Staten Island Hospital, Dorothea grew up in Rosebank. After graduating New Dorp High School in 1948 she worked for the Hanover Insurance Company in New York City. In June 1952, she married Tom Stark of Stapleton in St. John the Baptist de la Salle Roman Catholic Church. The couple moved to Virginia while Tom completed dental school at Georgetown University, before returning to Staten Island to raise their family and start a dental practice.

Affectionately known as Dolly to family, and Dot to friends, to all she was full of life, warmth, and a playful loving spirit. She had a beautiful smile for everyone and loved to tell jokes.

For more than 40 years Dorothea hosted a St. Patrick’s Day party on the day of the Staten Island parade. She loved travel, especially to Ireland and Spain, summertime at the Jersey shore, and was a great cook, particularly Italian dishes which she learned growing up in Rosebank. In fact, “Aunt Dolly’s baked beans” continues to be an iconic dish at generations of Stark family gatherings.

A member of St. Monica’s Mothers Guild at Sacred Heart School for years, Dorothea was a dedicated and caring mom, active in her three children’s scholastic and extra curricular activities, a practice she continued with her grandchildren. Her oldest grandchild Cassandra fondly remembers sleepovers and Sunday dinners at Nanny’s, immersed in playing memory games and puzzles.

Dorothea’s wish is for her family and friends to remember the happy memories she leaves behind. That will be easy, with so many millions of memories she made for us.

A Celebration of Dorothea’s Life and burial services will be private. Arrangements are under the care of Harmon Funeral Home. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.dignitymemorial.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to VNS Hospice or Staten Island University Hospice.