Roger Starkey

Roger Starkey, age 70, died peacefully on Friday, February 22, 2013 at his home in Westerville, Ohio. Roger was born in Middletown, Ohio to Roger and Phyllis Starkey. Roger grew up in Middletown, graduating from Middletown High School in 1960. He attended Wilmington College where he played football and was president of Gamma Phi Gamma fraternity. Roger earned a BS in Biology and Chemistry from Wilmington College in 1964 and later received a MBA from Xavier University. His combined education in science and business led to a career with several chemical companies including Ashland Chemical/Sherex Chemical and Solvay Enzymes. Roger was an active parishioner of St. Joan of Arc Church, participating in several ministries, the Men’s Club and altar service. He was an avid OSU fan and loved sports. Roger was dedicated to his family, faith, and friends, and was widely known and loved for his humor, kindness and generosity. He was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law Ed Sullivan. Roger is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 35 years, Jackie Starkey, as well as daughters Janelle Brubaker and her husband Biff, and Kelly Brunton and her husband Joe; grandchildren: Megan Bryant, Jessica Martinez, Gigi Furlong, Jay Furlong and Carson Brunton; sister Debbie Fuchs, brother Terry Starkey and his partner Julie Taylor; the family matriarch Ruth Kelly; cousins whom he dearly loved; mother-in-law Mary Harden; and scores of friends and wonderful neighbors whose outpouring of love and condolences has been monumental and a testament to the kind and generous nature of Roger Starkey. Family will receive friends from 4:00-8:00pm. WEDNESDAY at the RUTHERFORD FUNERAL HOME AT POWELL, 450 West Olentangy St., Powell, OH 43065 (614)-792-1471. (The funeral home is located on W. Olentangy St./Powell Rd./SR 750 ¼ mil east of Sawmill Parkway.) Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00a.m. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013 at ST. JOAN OF ARC CATHOLIC CHURCH, 10700 Liberty Rd., Powell, OH 43065 with The Reverend Jeffrey E. Tigyer, Celebrant. Burial will follow the Mass at Resurrection Cemetery, Lewis Center, Ohio. If they choose, friends may make memorial contributions to: St. Joan of Arc Men’s Club, Ohio Health/HomeReach Hospice or your favorite charity in Roger’s memory. Please visit www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com to send condolences to Roger’s family.