Northborough – Donald L. “Don” Starkey, 80, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 21, 2021. Don was born on July 29, 1941, in Springfield, MA, the son of the late Stillman “Stub” and Kathleen (Hayes) Starkey. Don lived in Pittsfield before moving to Northborough in 1953, where it would remain his home for the rest of his life.
He graduated from Northborough High School in 1959. He was very honored to have been in Northborough High School’s last graduating class before Algonquin Regional High School opened in the fall of 1959.
During his senior year, Don played in the Clark University basketball tournament where he scored a tournament record 31 points. He enlisted in the U.S. Army upon his high school graduation, serving three years in the Military Police while stationed in France. Upon returning to civilian life, Don enrolled in Worcester Junior College. He received his Associate’s Degree while also proudly serving as the captain of the school’s basketball team.
He worked in banking and finance for a number of years, then worked at New England Grocers for over 25 years. Upon retirement, Don worked at Pyramid Telecommunications for several years for his good friend John Ambach.
During his summers, he always looked forward to his annual vacation to the Cape. At first, he would travel to Sandwich with his good friends. Later in life the time at the Cape became an extended family vacation. He also attended all the sporting events he could involving his grandchildren.
Don coached baseball in Northborough for several years. He was a proud member and former Commander of the Northborough American Legion, Post 234, where he served as Service Officer and Bar Manager for many years. He also enjoyed his weekly Saturday dinner engagements with Rich and Donna Wamback.
Don was a longstanding NE Patriots season ticket holder. He first obtained his season tickets the year Schaefer Stadium opened in 1971. As much as he enjoyed going to games, the camaraderie he found in tailgating was a highlight during some long Patriot seasons in the 1970’s and 1980’s. He also enjoyed traveling to various cities to attend over 15 Super Bowls with many good friends, including Bob McGuiness and Frank Moynihan. Don’s best friend and confidante in later years was his cat, Maggie.
Don is survived by his former wife and high school sweetheart Noreen (Sibley) Starkey, son Mark Starkey and his wife Stacey of Rutland, and son Barry Starkey of Northborough. He is also survived by four adored grandchildren: Jacob, Taylor, Madison and Luke Starkey; great-grandchildren Macey and Tatum Starkey; and nine nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his brothers, Ward Starkey and David Starkey.
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you for the friendship and assistance provided by Maureen Ambach, Bill Finney, John Viola and Ralph Wakefield.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours at the Chiampa Funeral Home, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, from 5-7 P.M. Funeral home service will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Noon. Interment with military honors will follow at Howard Street Cemetery.
Donations in Don’s honor may be made to the Scholarship Fund of Northborough High School Association, P.O. Box 693, Northborough, MA 01532. https://www.northborohighschoolalumassoc.com/scholarship-gifting.
