Obituaries

Mark Stephen Starkey, 70, of Stonewood, WV passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at the Mon General Hospital in Morgantown, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Shinnston, WV on August 11, 1953 a son of the late Ralph and Doris Anderson Starkey.

Mark is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Kathy Christafore Starkey, whom he married on June 2, 1984. She resides at their home in Stonewood.

Mark is also survived by his son, Justin Mark Starkey of Shinnston; one sister, Kay Efaw and husband Tom of Fairmont; two brothers-in-law, Paul Christafore of Clarksburg and David Christafore and wife Denise of Stonewood; sister-in-law, Glenna Christafore of Wheeling; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; a special cousin, Pam Poling; and good friend, Frank Spadafore.

In addition to his parents, Mark is preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Lou Sickle and Carol Dubash; and one brother-in-law, Robert Christafore.

Mark was a graduate of Shinnston High School and went on to graduate from Fairmont State College with a bachelor’s degree in education and Salem College with his masters. He was a retired teacher and coach for the Harrison County Board of Education and Catholic School System, having worked at Lincoln and Notre Dame High Schools. He was a great teacher and coach. He leaves behind his Lincoln and Notre Dame High School work family whom he loved teaching and coaching with.

Mark was a loving husband and wonderful father and uncle. He spent many hours teaching and coaching his son who he was very proud of, along with many other students and student athletes whose lives he touched. Mark was an avid sports fan and enjoyed coaching even more, having coached football, basketball and most of all, baseball, which was his greatest passion.

During his high school baseball coaching career, Mark achieved his 300^th win at Notre Dame High School and his 500^th overall win at Lincoln High School. He and his teams of athletes and coaches participated in numerous sectionals, regionals, and state tournaments, including his win with the Lincoln High School AA State Champions where he was the assistant coach and interim head coach during the championship final.

Mark’s favorite period of coaching was coaching his son and his friends for four years at Notre Dame. During Justin’s senior year, Notre Dame made it to the Class A Baseball State Championship but lost in the finals. He was always so proud of his son and his group of friends for their accomplishments.

He was a member of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Stonewood and a 4^th Degree Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed attending various sporting events including the Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball games and playing card games. More than anything, Mark loved spending time with his family and close friends.

Family and friends may call at the Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison Street, Nutter Fort on Friday, August 25, 2023 from 2:00pm to 8:00pm where a vigil service will be held at 7:30pm to conclude the visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 10:00am with Father Kumar Reddismasu and Deacon John Yaquinta presiding. Interment will follow in the Holy Cross Cemetery

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com. A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.