John I. Stark, Sr. age 70 died Tuesday, November 11, 2008. John was the son of the late Frank B. and Ethel Dederer Stark. John was born April 18. 1938 and lived in Ghent, NY. A graduate of Ockawamick Central School class of 1957, John operated the Stark Family Dairy Farm with his brother until 1986. John belonged to several organizations during his years of farming. He served on the Soil & Water Conservation Board and was Chairman of the Chatham Agway Committee. During his high school years he was active in the Future Farmers of America. John was a 50 year member of the Mellenville Grange #1255 where he currently held the position of "overseer". He was also a member of the United Methodist Church of Philmont.  John was also a social member of the A.B. Shaw Firehouse. In 1987 he started working for the Ghent Highway Department and remained there until his retirement in 2003. John is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carolyn Novak Stark, 5 children; Ann Marie (Erik) Hanson, John Jr. (Alison) Stark, James (Ilene) Stark, David (Mary) Stark, and Paul J. Stark. He was also survived by eight grandchildren; Ashley and Amanda Hanson, Conner and Patrick Stark, Kyle, Hanna, and Emily Stark, and Dawson Stark, also survived by a sister Betty (Ted) Skumurski and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents John was predeceased by 2 sisters Mary Teaney and Grace Lis and a brother Franklin Stark. Family will receive friends Thursday, November 13 from 5 to 8 pm at the French, Gifford, Preiter and Blasl funeral home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham. A Memorial  service will be Friday at the United Methodist Church of Philmont, at 11am. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Mellenville Grange #1255, Box37, Mellenville, NY 12544 or the United Methodist Church, Box 466, Philmont, NY 12565 in John's memory.  For directions or to send an online condolence, visit www.frenchblasl.com.