David Starks, 72 of West Haven, passed away on August 15, 2026, at his home.

David Starks, known to his friends and family as " Dave," was born on October 20, 1953 in Bridgeport, CT. On August 15, 2026, Dave suffered a heart attack at his home in West Haven, CT and passed away several hours later in the hospital while being surrounded by his wife and a few friends.

He will be remembered for his quick humor, generous heart and the many ways he made others feel included. He was a person who offered advice when it was needed, comfort when necessary and quiet reassurance that everything would be alright. His wisdom was respected, his laughter was unforgettable and his love was constant.

Dave grew up in Milford, CT and spent several years living with his maternal grandmother in Ackworth, NH. For most of his life Dave worked as a limousine driver until he retired and was always professional and courteous no matter what company he worked for.

Dave was predeceased by his parents, Edson Starks and Frances Bushey Wissner, his stepfather, Franklin Delano Wissner, his brother, Frank Michael Wissner and his sister, Donna Lee Nutter.

Dave is survived by his loving wife of almost 33 years, Lisa Erickson Starks, and his children from previous marriages, David Richard Madore of Auburn, ME, Robert Edson Madore of Sydney, ME, Jessica Lynn Churchill (Lance) of Derby, CT and seven grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister and brother, Victoria Lee Szabo and William Lawrence Wissner (Ellen) and his sister-in-laws, Deborah Potter Wissner and Lynn C. Erickson and her husband, Gunnar Olovsson, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews, and many close friends.

Dave had a passion for drawing, music and classic cars. Before he was stricken with his debilitating essential tremor, he used to spend hours drawing on his sketch pad and playing his guitars. When he could no longer draw or play his guitars, the sketch pad found its way onto the bookshelf and he gave his guitars and an amplifier to his nephew.

Dave always amazed his friends and family with his extensive knowledge of classic cars from the 1950s. It didn't matter what classic car drove by him on the street, he could always tell the year, make and model of that car just by looking at it. Dave was proud of the several classic cars that he owned throughout his lifetime and loved to go to local car shows to see how other people had restored their cars. When he no longer owned his classics, he would look at his vast collection of model cars that were found on several shelves throughout his home.

Dave's kindness, generosity and sense of humor touched everyone who knew him. He could make anyone laugh with his jokes and funny anecdotes and he will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

There will be a funeral service held directly in King’s Highway Cemetery at the Columbarium Wall located at the rear of the cemetery on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 11:00 am. A reception will follow where friends and family are encouraged to bring a favorite memory to share.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dave's honor to the "Diann Shaddox Foundation for Essential Tremor Research" or the "Diabetes Research Institute Foundation."

To light a candle or leave a condolence in his memory please visit CodyWhiteFuneralService.com