Tony Starkovich, 62, a lifetime resident of Sedro-Woolley, passed away at Skagit Valley Hospital on Monday, August 26, 2013 after a brave battle with cancer. He was born on August 30, 1950 in Sedro-Woolley, the son of Steve and Elsie Starkovich.
After graduating from Sedro-Woolley High, he met and fell in love with Shirley Wilson, who he later married and together they had two wonderful children. Tony worked for many years in the parts department at Vern Sims Ford in Sedro-Woolley. He loved cars and antiques, and spent many hours working on or finding treasures.
Tony is survived by his wife, Shirley Starkovich; daughter, Tara Starkovich; son, Cory Starkovich (Jen); brothers, Mike Starkovich, Joe Starkovich (Tracy); sister in laws, Karen Wilson (Chris Engberg), Susie Wilson; aunt, Mamie Greer; numerous nieces and nephews; grand puppy Lulu; cat, Humphrey; special friends, Jack and Gail Browning, Larry Swihart, Ron Norris, Ray Guier, Brad Colglazier, Tom Brown, Bob Johnston, and many more friends. Tony was a wonderful friend to many and will be missed by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Elsie Starkovich; brother, Steve Starkovich; parents in law, David Paul and Ella Gaye Wilson.
There will be a Memorial Service on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 1:00 PM at the Sedro-Woolley Community Center. In lieu of flowers the family has requested for donations in Tara’s name be made to Lake Whatcom Center, 609 Northshore Drive, Bellingham, WA 98226, c/o Kay Burbidge. This is a not for profit mental health agency serving adults with severe and persistent mental illness.
Shirley and family so sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. I will be praying for you and your family.
I have known Tony from birth. I was one of his Mothers daycare kids. With Tony and I having the same name, his mother would call him Tony Boy and me Toni Girl. Tony was very talented and always greeted me with a when I saw him. He will be missed.
I was one of the daycare kids Tony’s mom babysat. With Tony and I having the same name his Mom would call him Tony Boy and me Toni Girl. My bother and I grew up with Tony and his family. I remember when he and Shirley got married and Tara was born. I always enjoyed seeing Tony as an adult and was always greeted with a hug. He was a very talented man.
Shirley, so sorry for your loss. Tony will be missed. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
I have so many memories of Tony in our younger years. He & Charlie were almost in-separateable He had a hearse, at leaast I think it was his, and he, Charlie and Jackie (I think) were going some where and I talked them into taking me for a ride. After we were on our way I said I wanted to know what it was like to ride in a hearse before I died. They all wanted to through me out. Thank you for helping me scratch that of my bucked list. There are other things I remember too do to your friendship with my brother. Rest well Tony. Shirley, I hope you and your family keep the fun & happy memories you all built together over the years. Prays are with you.
Tony was a good man and a great friend. I enjoyed our visits at the store….. talking about all the antiques we loved.
Drinking coffee and checking up on all the local gossip. Tony will be missed. I am sorry for the family and wish you all comfort during this time.
Shirley and Family,
Our prayers are with each of you at this time of loss.
our condolences go out to Shirley +Corey ,Tara and his brothers .Tony was such a great friend he was my best man, we had so many fun times ,he would do any thing for you always had time to visit . you will be missed by us very much Tom and Paula
Dearest Shirley, Corey and Tara.
We want to thank you for sharing your home with our boys from the time they were infants. It takes special people to care for others children. Thru you, our sons found a special friend in Corey. Tony will be missed. You will forever be in our hearts.
Sending Deepest Sympathy,
Richard & Diane Harris
longe time friend will be missed greatly
Tony my brother (Larry Swihart) will miss you terribly, but he knows your in a better place where there is no more pain, or tears…I’ll pray for your family and ask God to watch over them until you can all be together again.
Shirley and Family,
I am so sorry on your loss of Tony. I always enjoyed talking to you and Tony and looking at the cars when I went on my walks by your house.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gloria
I bought my very first car from Tony in 1969 when I was 15 years old, 56′ Chev 2dr 292ci 4 speed I paid 650.00 and my Hodaka ace 100 motorcycle (for Corey). That started a long and great friendship, Tony always had a eye for just what any car needed to make it stand out, and was always their if you needed a hand or advice. You will be missed my friend. My heart goes out to your family, God speed. Your friend Randy Aldridge
Shirley, Tara, Cory & Jen,
Our Family sends our condolences for the loss of your husband and dad. Letting you know that people care, Tony was a good man. Sending prayers to all of you.
Denise, Lowell & Faye.
My Little Brother, My Best Little buddy. They haven’t invented words to express our friendship. The Love that we had for each other when you were ten years old,1960,has just gotten stronger through the years. There will not be a day go by that I won’t think of you and you will always be in my heart. I will still have our morning coffee and conversations with you. Keep our table waiting for John for 4. Love you. Your Other Brother Jackie Browning.
Tony was a good friend. Between our two houses if one or the other needed something we always helped each other out. We had many many good laughs & good times together. He will be missed a lot. Rest in Peace my Friend. Gail Browning