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Dr. John "Butch" R. Starmack

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | March 22, 2026

On Friday, March 21, 2026, a bright star began shining in the heavens as John “Butch” “Pap” Robert Starmack passed away. Born on March 10, 1942, he grew up in McKeesport, PA as part of a hard-working family whose Dad, Walter, served in the Navy in WWII. John was the first in his family to earn a college degree and believed in education so much that he eventually earned his Phd. from the University of Pittsburgh while teaching full-time, raising four children with his treasured wife, Kathryn, and running his father’s newspaper business to support his mother, Amelia, and grandmother, Mary. He was a high-school math teacher then became a college professor at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) where he started the fast-paced math program for gifted high-school students which was the first of its kind educational program. He believed that nothing was impossible, just some things take longer than others. John succeeded in everything he did. He was inducted into the McKeesport Hall of Fame.

John was an extremely caring person and would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it. He never met a person that he did not like and everyone who met him admired and adored him at the same time. He loved sharing his wisdom through his stories and experiences, but most of all, he really loved having a good time. He believed in working hard and playing hard and loved sports. His home teams of Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins were often centers of excitement. In his younger days, he played football and ran track. Retirement found him many days on the golf course and when not there, on the beach.

He enjoyed wine in the afternoons and convinced his grandchildren that everyone has two stomachs with the bigger one for desserts, which is why you always have room for sweets. In his world, it is okay to eat dessert first. In retirement his passion for education turned to research. He would research with his grandchildren trying to find the best ice cream parlors around West Mifflin, PA and Myrtle Beach, SC.

He relished the 63 years of marriage with his wonderful wife, Kathryn, was extremely proud of his four children (John Jr., Michelle [John Silvestre], Tom, and Lana [John Carmichael]), and even prouder of his 9 grandchildren (Olivia, Tyler, Alex, Bubba, Michael/Elizabeth, Payton, Victor, Ryley, and Laci). His many neighbors and friends were considered family and he always talked dearly about them. He appreciated their friendship and time they spent with him.

John cherished his family and his family cherished him. He had quite a sense of humor and would say that the older you get, the smarter he became. It was true! He would also say that when you look back, you do not want to have any regrets so work hard but also enjoy people and have fun as best and as often as you can. He had no regrets and will be remembered for making everyone feel valued. He will always be a reminder to those who knew him to fully embrace life and cherish every moment together.

John is also survived by his sister Nancy Kennedy, sister-in-law Rose Starmack, and preceded in death by his brother Paul Starmack, and brother-in-law Abe Kennedy.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 4:00 – 7:30 pm at MALOY-SCHLEIFER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 915 KENNEDY AVE., DUQUESNE, PA 15110, 412-466-3300, WILLIAM B. SCHLEIFER, SUPERVISOR, WILLIAM BRIAN SCHLEIFER AND ALLAN J. WEBER FUNERAL DIRECTORS.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Hope Parish (St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin), 5200 Greenridge Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15236.

Please dress in colorful clothing.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Coastal Cancer Center.

To make a donation, please send the following information to:

Carolina Cancer Foundation

8182 Rourk Street

Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

Please accept my contribution of $_____________ to the Carolina Cancer Foundation in Honor of John R. Starmack

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Originally published March 22, 2026.

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