Allan Stark

Allan Edward Stark was born in Fitchburg on July 4, 1939, to parents Walter William Stark and Edith M. Vaananen. He passed away peacefully on Feb. 16, 2026, in Milford after a period of declining health. He was 86.

Allan spent most of his childhood in New Ipswich, New Hampshire, and attended high school at Appleton Academy, graduating in 1957. At New Hampshire Tech, he learned welding as a trade. Allan began his career at General Electric (GE) in Fitchburg on June 20, 1960, as a pipe welder, and retired from GE on Oct. 31, 1997. He served briefly in the Army and the New Hampshire Army National Guard. He married Joan Louise Connors on July 10, 1965, in Wilton, New Hampshire. Together they had two children. Allan resided in New Ipswich until his marriage, when he became a resident of the Massachusetts town of Sterling. In 1985 he returned to New Ipswich and lived there until 2017, when he moved to Golden Pond Assisted Living in Hopkinton. He resided there until 2025.

Allan is predeceased by his two siblings, Robert David Stark and Ilona Thyden, and his ex-wife, Joan (Connors) Stark. He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Louise Stark of California, his son, Robert Allan Stark of Massachusetts, his daughter-in-law, Jean, and his grandson, Benjamin.

Allan was an avid gardener who loved to share his bounty with his neighbors and friends. In his later years he enjoyed trips to Florida to escape the harsh New Hampshire winters. He enjoyed his sauna and outings to the casino. He collected coins as a hobby. He loved steamed clams and pizza with the works, including anchovies. His uncanny knack of remembering birthdays was delightful to all who challenged him. He loved his greyhound rescue dog, The Colonel. Allan’s gentle nature and sense of humor allowed him to make friends wherever he went.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Golden Pond Assisted Living. Their care and friendship did indeed provide Allan with some treasured and quality golden years. The family also wishes to acknowledge the kind and caring staff at Milford Regional Medical Center, who tended to Allan in his final days.

Allan’s urn will be interred in Smithville Cemetery, New Ipswich, New Hampshire, in the spring, following a celebration of life. Details will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a greyhound rescue or local animal shelter.

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