Walter Jackson Stark, distinguished doctor, professor
Dr. Walter Jackson Stark, 81, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2024, surrounded by his family in Sarasota, Fla.
He was born to Walter Jackson Stark Sr. and Lucy Anderson Stark Aug. 21, 1942, in Oklahoma City, Okla. Dr. Stark graduated from Harding High School in 1960, where he was a state champion swimmer. He attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated from the College of Medicine in 1967. He completed both his residency training in ophthalmology and fellowship in cornea and external diseases at Wilmer Eye Institute of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Md. Dr. Stark also served as a physician at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md.
Dr. Stark joined the faculty of the Wilmer Institute in 1973 and was elevated to the rank of professor of ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins and served as director of the corneal and cataract services. As an educator, he transferred pertinent firsthand knowledge and skills to his students and other physicians worldwide. Dr. Stark's distinguished professional career, spanning more than 50 years, led to his reputation as an internationally recognized leader in the areas of corneal surgery, corneal transplantation, intraocular lens implantation, and the use of the excimer laser for the rehabilitation of patients with visual disability. A gifted and talented ophthalmic surgeon, Dr. Stark was called upon by dignitaries and improved or preserved the sight of countless people in countries around the world.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology honored Dr. Stark with its Life Achievement Award in 2015. Dr. Stark developed and conducted numerous continuing medical education courses in ophthalmology, advancing eye care knowledge and educating providers on the latest concepts in the field. His tireless commitment has been recognized through awards and invitations as a distinguished lecturer and keynote speaker in ophthalmology. He held the Dr. Walter J. Stark Chair in Ophthalmology and the Boone Pickens Professorship in Ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins University. He was a founding leader in establishing Medical Eye Banking of Maryland and director of the medical board of directors at Tissue Banks International. He served as the chair of the Ophthalmic Device Panel with the FDA, prioritizing patient safety.
Dr. Stark was recognized for his achievement as an active professional, noted professor, and accomplished administrator. He took pride in educating and mentoring his residents and fellows, many of whom are now among the world's leading ophthalmologists. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy and a lasting contribution to humanity.
Above his professional accomplishments was his loving commitment to family and friends.
Married to the love of his life, Polly, for 60 years, he was father to three wonderful children and grandfather "Poppy" to nine grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time between Baltimore, Md., his home for over 40 years, Rehoboth Beach, and Longboat Key, Fla. Walter loved traveling the world with his family, skiing, cycling on the boardwalk, relaxing on the beach, eating crabs, tending to his tomatoes, and feeding hummingbirds in his garden.
He is survived by Polly; his children, Heather Stark, Walter J. Stark III (Jay) and Melissa Stark Lilley; grandchildren, Matthew, Christopher and Emma Anderson, Walter J. IV (Jack) and Henry Stark, Mikey, Jackson, Clara and Clemmie Lilley; and his siblings, Penny Replogle, Susan Moorman and Jeff Moorman. He is predeceased by his parents; his second mother, Mary Lou Stark; his brother, Stephen Stark; and sister, Debbie White.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Dr. Walter J. Stark to the University of Florida Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, P.O. Box 100243, Gainesville, FL 32610. Donations will be used for research and treatment of Parkinson's disease.
For the donation and recognition link, go to uff.ufl.edu/giving-opportunities/028441-the-walter-j-stark-m-d-memorial-fund.
A celebration of Dr. Stark’s life will be held by his family in Rehoboth Beach in August.
