Starkey, David

David Brown Starkey, born August 12, 1941, to May (Brown) and Leonard Starkey passed away surrounded by the love and support of his wife, children, and grandchildren on December 31, 2022. Born and raised in Delaware, a true Delawarean through and through, he made an impact and changed many lives during his extraordinary life.

Living his life by the compass of integrity, honesty, hard work and a true love for traveling and nature, Dave lived to live. He delighted many with his stories of travel, including tales of climbing mountains, sailing the seas, and volunteering as a firefighter and EMT. Dave loved to live, and he did it well.

With his dry wit and determination to excel in every facet of his life, he set an example for those around him, of how best to tackle life’s challenges. Faced with many of life’s obstacles, Dave always prevailed and was able to face adversity while moving forward, rebuilding and relearning along the way.

An avid sailor, both in the Navy and with his personal sailboats, there was not a body of water he could not navigate.

Using his innate skills to design and create, he was able to “begin with the end in mind” in the redesign of his home, many landscapes design projects, stained glass, and a love for cooking; He accomplished anything he put his mind to.

As the ultimate family man, there was not anything he would not do to ensure his family’s happiness. With his ability to plan every detail for big vacations, hiking, canoeing and beach trips, every experience shared together was as joyous and full as it could be; Dave made sure of it.

Dave’s motto was “actions speak louder than words.” We will honor his exceptional life by continuing to carry on his legacy.

Preceded in death by wife Janice (McNeal) and son Bryan (1971), son Christopher (1989), sister Janet Jackson, brother-in-law Bill Stormer and sister and brother in-law Doris and Joe Bourgeois.
Survived by wife of 49 years Barbara; son Keith (Chris Joyce), daughters Lauren Palmer (Scott) and Alyssa Sammels (Chris) and eight amazing grandchildren, Evelyn and Elizabeth, Cecilia and Layla, Spencer, Jason, Skyler and Blake; Siblings Elaine Stormer and Scott Starkey (Jane), in-laws Charlie Jackson and Sondra Bradley; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and close friends.

The Family would like to thank Christiana Care Hospice/Delaware AccentCare and Independence at Home for their dedication and service to providing exceptional care and compassion.

The family will be having a Celebration of his Life on January 28, 2023, from 12:00pm – 4:00pm at the Brandywine Hundred Fire Company, Station 11 at 1006 Brandywine Boulevard, Wilmington, DE 19809. All are invited.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider donating to the Brandywine Hundred Fire Company, Number 1, ATTN: President, or we ask that you please consider performing small or large acts of kindness.

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