George E. Starks, Jr.

ALBANY – A small city lost a man with a big heart after a short battle with cancer.

George E. Starks, the eldest of nine children, passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, April 10. He lived and loved life to the fullest and did so on his own terms. George enjoyed spending time with friends and family, whether it was a holiday or a lazy day in the park. He was 60.

Born in Albany, George graduated high school from Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk and attended Hudson Valley Community College. He was a member of the Local #40 Heat and Frost Insulators Union, and in more recent years worked various odd jobs, including outdoor work. George had a great appreciation for music and nature, a cold drink, good company around a campfire, and was known around Albany for his infectious smile.

He was a kind soul and a friend to those who met him and will be dearly missed.

"Even after getting sick, he was always so upbeat and positive. George always got along with everybody," said his brother, Jarrett Carroll. "We weren't just family, he was my friend, and I know a lot of his friends thought of him as family as well."

George is survived by his daughters Cara Starks; Andrea Reynolds (Jess); and Savannah Starks; and his brothers, Stephen Starks (Cynthia); William Carroll; Michael Carroll; Jason Carroll (Martina); Jarrett Carroll (Rachel), as well as his sister, Michele Francis (Stephen) and his step-father, James J. Carroll Jr.

He was predeceased by his father, George E. Starks; his mother, Lorraine C. Carroll (Labunski); and his brothers, James and Christopher Carroll.

Calling hours will be held Monday, April 18, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie, with services immediately following at 12 p.m. A family interment will take place in the Calvary Cemetery in Glenmont.