Michael " Mike " Stark

Michael "Mike" Stark

Michael "Mike" Stark, a local attorney whose leadership as Trustee and Chairman of the Akron Zoo Board of Directors led to the growth and development of the Akron Zoo into an important asset to his community as well as a nationally respected member of the American Zoological Association (AZA), died April 7, 2017.

Born in Watseka Illinois April 29,1936, Mike was raised in Indianapolis and spent his long career as an attorney in Akron. Mike received his undergraduate degree in business from Miami University (Ohio) where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Omarion Delta Kappa. He received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Indiana School of Law in Bloomington, Indiana. He had a career of over 35 years serving clients in the Akron Area. He was a cofounder and managing partner of the law firm Stark and Knoll in 1985, previously working at First National Bank of Akron and Roetzel and Andress. He was active in The Akron Bar Association, The American Bar Association, and The Ohio Bar Association where he served as a member of the Council of Delegates, and was the creator of the Association's Continuing Legal Education series "Nuts and Bolts of Wills and Trusts".

Mike was active in his community beyond his work with the Zoo. He was a member and past President of Portage Country Club, and a member Rockwell Springs Trout Club. He was trustee and active supporter of Glendale Cemetery, a trustee of the Beacon Journal Charity Fund: "Embracing Futures", a trustee of the Lehner Family Foundation and the Akron Art Museum. In addition, Mike was also trustee and President of The Robert O. and Annamae Orr Family Foundation.

Most important to Mike was being surrounded by his family; his beloved wife, Mary Campbell Stark; his son, Bob and wife, Dawn and their children, Elizabeth and Michael of Massillon; son, Chuck and his children, Sarah, Matthew, and Griffin of Florida. His youngest son, David, preceded him in death. Also surviving is his sister, Gretchen Funk of Florida and sister-in-law, Cathie Campbell from North Carolina.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Billow Fairlawn Chapel. There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held at Glendale Cemetery on Friday, April 14th at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Akron Zoological Park, 500 Edgewood Ave, Akron, OH 44307. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)