Rupert D. Starr

"Every day from now on is a free day. And I am going to do something worthwhile, accomplish something...every day. Every single day," Rupert "Twink" Starr promised his mother when he returned home safely from World War Il. Starr, who died peacefully November 4, 2024, lived that vow the rest of his life. Born July 16, 1922, and raised in Mt Sterling, Ohio, Rupert's father was the village dentist and his mother, a high school teacher. He graduated from Mt. Sterling High School in 1940 and was admitted to Ohio University to study business administration. He joined the ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) there. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity and remained supportive of the fraternity's efforts throughout his life. His two older brothers and he were nicknamed "Twink" by their fraternity brothers because of their last name Starr. In January 1943, six months before graduation, Rupert enlisted into active duty with the Army as a second lieutenant. He was assigned to the 422d Regiment of the 106th Infantry Division and served as his Regiment's liaison officer to the Division. He was part of the offensive of the Battle of the Bulge, one of the deadliest battles of the war. In mid-December 1944 the 106th Infantry Division was surrounded by German troops. Rupert volunteered to cross enemy lines to get a message to Division Headquarters. However, he was captured before he reached Headquarters. He spent four months in German prison camps and was then moved to Poznan, Poland. The Germans then forced the prisoners to march to eastern Germany. The men gained their freedom when the Germans abandoned them to flee advancing Russian troops. Rupert was honorably discharged from the Army in April, 1945. He received the Bronze Star for Heroism and the Combat Infantry Badge. The day he returned home he flew the American flag and continued to fly the flag every day of his life. Rupert returned to Ohio University and graduated with a degree in business administration in 1946. He worked for Proctor and Gamble in Cincinnati before moving to Columbus in 1950 and joining real estate developer John Galbreath. He later opened his own firm in West Columbus and was a lifelong resident of Upper Arlington. He served as president of the Columbus Realtors Association in 1973. In 2021, he received the Association's Citizen of the Year Award to honor his service to the country, advocacy work in the LGBTQ community and commitment to the real estate industry. The honor was renamed the Rupert "Twink" Starr Citizen of the Year Award that same year. Throughout his career Rupert advised and supported numerous Columbus businesses and civic organizations including the Junior Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, Columbus Jaycees, First Congregational Church UCC, and Log Cabin Republicans. He was Grand Marshal of the 2009 Stonewall Columbus Pride Parade. The Columbus City Council passed a Resolution honoring his contributions in July 2017. Rupert was an LGBT activist. He appeared in the documentary film Courage Under Fire by filmmaker Patrick Sammon. The film advocated for the repeal of the military Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. Rupert traveled to 148 countries and all 50 states. In June 2009 he returned to the area surrounding the former prison camp where he was held in Poznan, Poland. Rupert is survived by his niece Cinda (Starr) Rasor of Columbus, and numerous great and great-great nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Dano Starr and Helen [Johnson] Starr; his partner of 53 years Allan Wingfield; brother Clayton [wife Ruth]; nephews Craig Starr and Dano Starr; brother Dr. Hugh Starr [wife Helen]; and nephew Dr. Steven Starr. Rupert Starr often commented 'My family: parents, grandparents, brothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, niece, great nieces and nephews are my greatest gifts."

Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221. Funeral Service will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at First Congregational Church, 444 E Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Graveside service will follow at 2 PM at Pleasant Cemetery, Mt. Sterling, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Martin/MacNevin organ fund at First Congregational Church UCC or Stonewall Columbus https:/www.stonewallcolumbus.org/donate.