Leslie J. Stark, advertising man, actor, playwright, proofreader, raconteur extraordinaire and beacon of hope for those with cancer died on Friday, July 17. There will be a memorial service at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center.
Leslie J. Stark, advertising man, actor, playwright, proofreader, raconteur extraordinaire and beacon of hope for those with cancer died on Friday, July 17, at the age of 76.
There will be a memorial service at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center. His wife, Myra, will receive visitors after the service at her home, 185 Sandpiper Lane, unit #12.
Leslie J. Stark was born on August 18, 1938 in Brooklyn, N.Y. He graduated from Poly Prep in Brooklyn and Hobart William Smith College, both of which he remained devoted to, much like everything Mr. Stark encountered. He served on the board of trustees for Hobart for many years later in life.
With boundless energy and curiosity, Leslie J. Stark fully embraced everything he did.
With boundless energy and curiosity, Leslie J. Stark fully embraced everything he did.
Upon graduation from college, Mr. Stark attended the Yale School of Drama and acted in off-Broadway plays. But when he met his wife Myra and started a family he decided he needed a steady income and became part of what popular culture now refers to as the Mad Men age of advertising in New York city — although Mr. Stark would be quick to point out that his life did not resemble the popular series. He and Myra celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary this past December.
Mr. Stark worked for Benton & Bowles which eventually became D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles (DMB&B), producing television commercials and ushering in a dawn of a new age in television and marketing. In New York, he also furthered his love for jazz, frequenting the many clubs around the city. He would say that the J in his name actually stood for jazz. Other loves from his New York days that continued throughout his life were classical music and the theatre.
In 1966, Mr. Stark first visited Martha’s Vineyard, bringing Myra to meet his sister Cheryl Stark who had started a small jewelry business on the Island which would go on to become C.B. Stark Jewelers. Mr. Stark fell in love with the Vineyard and came back every summer.
“He loved Martha’s Vineyard and he couldn’t wait to move here when he retired,” Cheryl Stark said.
Leslie and Myra bought a house in West Tisbury in 1972 and retired to the Island in 2002.
Mr. Stark and his wife Myra were married for 49 years.
Mr. Stark and his wife Myra were married for 49 years.
On the Island, Mr. Stark did not slow down at all, if anything he sped up. He was on the board of Vineyard House, the Chamber Music Society and the Cancer Support Group. He produced, directed and starred in countless plays at the Vineyard Playhouse and Island Theatre Workshop, and was a member of the Peter Luce Play Readers, which met every week. He had recently taken up the ukulele, playing regularly at the Tisbury Senior Center.
“Leslie got people to be in plays who had never acted before,” Cheryl Stark said. “He gave people confidence they didn’t know they had. He loved doing that.”
He was a board member and regular participant of the Cancer Support Group on the Island, attending meetings for decades whenever he visited the Island then every week upon moving here. Mr. Stark was a three time cancer survivor — he had been cancer free for 18 years — and he went to these meetings to help others, Myra said. His sister Cheryl agreed.
“People keep calling and telling me, if it weren’t for Leslie I don’t know what I would have done, he made it so much easier,” she said. “He was so grateful for surviving cancer that he lived every day to the fullest.”
Mr. Stark never stopped working after he retired to the Island. He served as the marketing director for the Edgartown National Bank, and in recent years as a proofreader at the Vineyard Gazette. In the newsroom, he was known for his energy and hearty laugh, his stories, a love of the hyphen and also scissors and tape as he tried to join together the journey of a story jumping to different pages. He paid particular attention to the calendar of events, which in some weeks it seemed he was taking part in nearly every one of them.
“He loved to produce things, and he was very enthusiastic about everything he did,” Cheryl said. “He was Jewish but he loved Christmas. He always had the best Christmas tree.”
“And during the last two weeks, he was producing his death,” she said. “People came to visit from prep school, from college, from work, people he hadn’t seen in 30 years but that he had kept in touch with. They all came and he would talk with them for a bit until he became too tired.”
Leslie J. Stark is survived by his wife Myra; sisters Renee Stark and Cheryl Stark and her wife Margery Meltzer; daughter Victoria Stark; son Brian B. Stark and his wife Dr. Julie Ramos, and their daughter Eliana Grace Stark.
Letters of condolence may be sent to: Myra Stark, P.O. Box 45, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. Donations in his memory should be sent to the Martha's Vineyard Cancer Support Group, P.O. Box 2214, Vineyard Haven, MA, 02568
The Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center is located at 130 Center street, Vineyard Haven.
Comments
I am sorry for your loss.
Marilyn Snow Ingold Bradenton, FloridaI am sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Great man. Always a friend.
Dan OBGreat man. Always a friend.
I worked with Leslie he was
connie edgartownI worked with Leslie he was an amazing man who always seemed to be smiling. Rest in peace my friend!
We will miss Leslie's winning
Susan & Philip Mercier EdgartownWe will miss Leslie's winning smile!! He was such a kind and thoughtful man.
I had the privilege of
Miriam Franklin New York, NYI had the privilege of working with and being mentored by Leslie J at DMB&B. He was one of the nicest, smartest, funniest and most talented people I have had the pleasure to know. He will be missed by everyone whose life he has touched. Rest in peace Leslie J!
I did not know Leslie, I was
Deborah Mayhew West TisburyI did not know Leslie, I was just a big fan of his on-Island theater performances. My condolences to all his family.
I had the great fortune of
DanaI had the great fortune of meeting Leslie through his endless work at HWS. When I just saw this notice come up on the 'MVY app I had to read twice to see if it was the same man I had met back in the mid-90's in Geneva, NY. Our thoughts are with his entire family. He certainly left an impression on me, and no doubt many, many others due to his incredibly large and welcoming spirit.
Leslie was an amazing man. I
Alice WhitmoreLeslie was an amazing man. I will always remember working with him in Milan. On an ad shoot for a denture adhesive! Only Leslie could make this experience so tastefully memorable.
I had the privilege of
Brian Schiernan New York, New YorkI had the privilege of working with and learning from Leslie at DMB&B - not just about how to produce TV commercials, but how to produce myself, and always a life lesson was there to be had. He was a gentle man with always a smile on his face and an opinion to be shared. It's been many years since those days, but I know he will be missed by the many people who knew him and whose lives he had touched. RIP Leslie.
I knew Leslie J. for over 15
Ira Lassman Palm Beach Gardens, FLI knew Leslie J. for over 15 years at DMB&B. Even though we drifted apart, I still have fond memories of him. Leslie J. was truly "A Man For All Seasons". My thoughts and prayers for Myra and his family. Rest in Peace, old pal.
Les acted in and/or directed
Susan Shafer New York CityLes acted in and/or directed a number of my plays at Island Theatre Workshop. He was an outstanding actor and terrific director. Most of all, he was a great friend. Ron Frankel and I will miss him.
I'm so sad to hear the news.
Jackie Leak New YorkI'm so sad to hear the news. I traveled with Leslie to New Orleans for a Pampers shoot. I can still hear his voice.
He was a champion to all.
I still recall many memorable
Karen Goldberg Thompson Warwick, NyI still recall many memorable conversations I had with Leslie J while working with him at DMB&B. He was a kind and wonderful gentleman who always had time for a good chat. He was especially kind to my daughter, Emily Rose, always welcoming and seemingly happy to see her when she visited his office where he fascinated her with his ball of rubber bands. RIP.
A prince of a man. A scholar
Arnie Reisman Vineyard HavenA prince of a man. A scholar in jazz and theater and friendship. An honor to know him. The planet will sorely miss him.
OMG I had no idea he was
susan kerns Vineyard HavenOMG I had no idea he was suffering from cancer. I took a class about jazz this past fall at the high school with him. He had such a passion for the music and sharing his love for it
. Truly shows that you never know what someone else is going through. My thoughts and compassion go out to his family. So sad to hear!
I loved Lesley J! His
Patty Forbes NYI loved Lesley J! His insatiable curiosity and love of life will always be a source of inspiration for me. Love to you Myra, Vicky and Brian.
Thank you Patty ♥️
Victoria Stark Fall River MaThank you Patty ♥️
We all miss you, Les. And;
Ron Frankel New YorkWe all miss you, Les. And; thinking of you, Myra.
Hi Ron, long time since I was
Jim Pepe Miami BeachHi Ron, long time since I was a young AE on Pampers at DMB&B. Glad to come across you here. Leslie was a stellar individual! Be well.
Having known Leslie since the
Leonard Fink New YorkHaving known Leslie since the mid 50's at Hobart and as a fraternity brother I've always admired his integrity, his enthusiasm, his great sense of humor and his loyalty. We renewed our friendship occasionally . . . most recently in April when we visited our mutual friends memorial service in Hilton Head, SC. He will be sorely missed. My best wishes to the family he adored.
How heartbreaking! Leslie J
Jack Bloom New City, NYHow heartbreaking! Leslie J was-above all-a teacher. I learned so much from him at our days at DMB&B. Not just how to make a better TV commercial, but how to make myself a better person. Whether leading a pre-production meeting, participating at one of our Seders, or just coming by for a chat, his warmth and elegance were second to none. The world has lost one of the good guys. Thanks, Leslie.
Hello Jack! Great words for a
Jim Pepe Miami BeachHello Jack! Great words for a great man. Hope all is well with you, it's been a few years since we last reconnected when I was at William Morris. Just want to say hi and best wishes. Be well!
I met Leslie J. on my first
Robin Sabith New YorkI met Leslie J. on my first day at the agency...right out of college. He made me feel right at home and always had a smile on his face. He will be sorely missed. RIP
Wonderful Man. Sorry for your
Fred HenkeWonderful Man. Sorry for your loss
Rest in Peace, Leslie.
Brian Langhammer Vineyard HavenRest in Peace, Leslie.
https://youtu.be/_FyGClOb690
Leslie was a wonderful person
Jerry LayefskyLeslie was a wonderful person. I was lucky to work with Myra when I was at DFS and then Leslie when I moved to DMB&B. Myra, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family
I Knew leslie growing up in
Harvey Shub,M.D. Sanford,FloridaI Knew leslie growing up in Seagate.He gave a load of books like the hardy boys.These fostered a love of reading, for which I am eternally
grateful
I had the good fortune to
John P. Bracken Smithtown, New YorkI had the good fortune to have met leslie at Hobart College in 1956. He was a leader and an outstanding student. My recollection is that he was a Druid in his senior year and that was the top honor society at Hobart. Recently, I was in attendance at the funeral of a colleague at Hilton Head along with Les, Len Fink and Fritz Scheeren. I consider myself blessed to have had that special time with him. He will be missed.
Leslie Stark was an inspiring
J.SierputoskiLeslie Stark was an inspiring and encouraging man always positive. I am grateful he was my friend. Condolences to Myra.
We have lost a real Mensh too
Herb Foster EdgartownWe have lost a real Mensh too-too soon.
Leslie enjoyed everyday of
Brenda T. Lehman Deerfield, NHLeslie enjoyed everyday of his life ~especially after several battles with Cancer. He taught us so much & we felt the love at our Cancer Support Group meetings. He loved Myra, his kids and anyone he met felt his warmth& humor. He had a wonderful life and will be sadly missed ! That smile will always be in our memories~ RIP you had a special life on earth !
I will miss Leslie so much
carol derry Oak BluffsI will miss Leslie so much especially watching A Christmas Carol with him during the holidays. I really thought that when I am too old to travel we would be watching every year. I'll never find anyone who appreciated Dickens' story the way Les did and with such passion. If I am remembering correctly he had all the good lines memorized. But isn't it so like him to have an energetic enthusiasm for a transformative story.
He has left us too soon and I am very sad. My love to you Myra.
Leslie was truly memorable.
Vicky Amon Larchmont, NYLeslie was truly memorable. I worked with him decades ago, but can still see his ready grin, hear his bark of a laugh, and remember how much he taught me, a green young account person, about the art of production. He was the consummate professional yet had a sense of the antic which put us all at ease, and helped us get the most out of every project together. He will be missed.
Vicky Amon, B&B colleague ’73-81
So sorry to hear if Leslie's
Sue Rock Tully Arlington, MASo sorry to hear if Leslie's passing. Such a special man and spirit. When I became president of William Smith alumnae assoc sooner than expected and probably much too young for the position, Leslie in his role as president of Hobart alumni association welcomed me completely and never questioned my qualifications or ability, giving me confidence beyond what was probably reasonable. I will never forget that kindness and am sorry that we won't be on campus together again. My thoughts of peace are with his family and all who loved him
I had the pleasure of knowing
John Norvell Canandaigua NYI had the pleasure of knowing Leslie at Hobart when I was the alumni director. He served as the Hobart Alumni Association president for 4 years and brought to that position the energy, intellect and vitality that seemed to charactize all that he did. In later years we stayed in touch and I once asked him if working on Madison Avenue in the 1960s was anything like "Mad Men" on TV - he replied "You don't want to know," with a chuckle. I shall miss him greatly, he was a good friend and loyal son of Hobart College.
I had the pleasure of serving
James C. Baker H96 Winter Park, FLI had the pleasure of serving on the Hobart Alumni Council with Leslie. He was a great Statesman and will be missed. Condolences to the Stark and extended families.
Such a kind, gracious, giving
Julian Wise ChilmarkSuch a kind, gracious, giving individual.
Myra, sincere condolences to
Art Medici H71 Alexandria, VaMyra, sincere condolences to you and your family. Leslie was a wonderful man and trusted friend. Knowing him through alumni activities over 30 was years was very special. Being in his company 4 or 5 times a year always improved my day. He'll be missed.
what sad news ! Another
Lee Stand Fort Lee NJwhat sad news ! Another family member bites the dust...It has been a long time but he will always be remembered as a bright ,talented,caring good guy ...our condolences to you and your familywith a special greeting to Renee and Cheryl ..
Leslie was a sweet, kind, man
Barry Rosenthal Weymouth (formerly W Tiz)Leslie was a sweet, kind, man...smart as a whip, gentle and peaceful.
I am sorry I could not make it back to the Island for his service but I understand
Cheryl gave a nice remembrance. Condolescences to everyone like me who thought
he was one of the good guys. barry
Leslie loved life and he made
Bonnie and Bob George ChilmarkLeslie loved life and he made sure you did too
Myra, my heart goes out to
Fan Ogilvie Martha's VineyardMyra, my heart goes out to you. I had no idea. Think of the energy and enthusiasm Leslie had for Whitman!
I so value my brief encounter with him. You never know when an angel of life is right across from you.
God bless you both, Fan
Leslie Stark was my fantastic
Mitzi Maxwell Orlando, FloridaLeslie Stark was my fantastic mentor, DMB&B boss and friend. Meeting him was one of the greatest things that ever happened to me. The stories, the rubber bands, jazz, the beautiful Myra... I have dozens and dozens of cards and letters from him - that beautiful handwriting. But, for me the most wonderful thing about Leslie was that he was the original present person and loved with every fiber in his body. You live on my friend. Much love to you Myra.
Bonjour,
Delphine Vincent Paris FranceBonjour,
I had the luck to be hired by Leslie for an internship at DMBB NY back in 1985.
He hired me because he liked my spontaneous letter and especially because he loved France. I worked for him for just 4 months but learned so much from him in so little time, back in France I was able to become a junior producer at Publicis.
Leslie was a delicate, lovely man with so much charm and a great sense of humour, working hard, respected and loved by everyone. He was always talking about his wife and his children, you could tell he was found of them ! I was 20 years old in 1985, I am now 56 and I think the reason I have never forgotten Leslie is that he made everyone feel important, a fabulous quality. An unforgettable man ! Mes condoléances très sincères à sa famille.
Delphine
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