IN MEMORIAM

Gerald D. ‘Jerry’ Starks, 72;

EMT Locally For Half Century

COOPERSTOWN – Gerald Donald “Jerry” Starks, 72, an active EMT for more than a half-century, passed away at his home Dec. 19, 2017, with his family by his side.

He was born on Jan. 29, 1945, in Endicott to Donald A. and Vivian M. (Williamson) Starks. Jerry grew up in Ilion, and described his childhood as idyllic, complete with a paper route.

He had numerous stories about friends, neighbors, and the locales of Russell Park, the marina, and airport, as well as listening to the trains that passed through in the night. He walked to school, church, and later work from the family home on Otsego Street.

Jerry graduated from Ilion High School in 1963, spent time at Syracuse University, and then went on to a career at Dupont Remington Arms where he trained as a tool maker. Better known as “Sparky” to co-workers, he retired in 2007 after 42 years.

Jerry was an active volunteer firefighter for over 50 years and for much of that time was certified as an EMT. Serving first in Ilion and later in Richfield Springs and Schuyler Lake, he spent the last 10 years with Hartwick Co. 2 in Hartwick Seminary. Jerry had many interests, but his association with his brother and sister volunteers was central to his life. He was proud to serve, proud of them, and grateful to be a part of their service to their community.

Jerry is survived by his wife Janet (Smith) and their children — son Emery J. Kane (Stephanie), granddaughters Sarai and Emily of Milford; son Clayton B. Kane (Miriam), grandson Charles of Bath, Maine, and daughter Carrie L. Kane of West Winfield.

He was predeceased by his brother Charles (Dick) Bostwick (Shirley) and his sister Hazel Bostwick Gollegly. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be 1-3 p.m. at Tillapaugh Funeral Home, 28 Pioneer St., Cooperstown, on Saturday Jan. 6, 2018. Visitation will be immediately followed by a service officiated by the Rev. Sylvia Barrett, pastor of the Milford United Methodist Church, including a Fireman’s Service by members of the Hartwick Fire Company.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hartwick Fire Company No. 2, 4877 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or to the Hartwick Emergency Squad, PO Box 208, Hartwick, NY 13348.

Arrangements are under the care of Tillapaugh Funeral Service, Cooperstown.