William D. “Bill” Starr Jr., 82, died peacefully at his home in Indio, CA, on Oct. 9, 2025. Bill was born in Allentown, PA, to Ruth and William Starr Sr. in 1943 and graduated from Parkland High School in 1960. He went to Penn State (B.S.; M.Ed.), where he met Dorothy (Cross). They married in 1967 and enjoyed nearly 50 years together until her passing in 2016.
Bill and Dot started their life together in Coopersburg, PA, where they had two children, Scott and Tracey. Bill worked for the Quakertown Community School District as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent, and for the Palmerton Area School District as superintendent. He became superintendent of Lebanon School District, where he spent the rest of his career, while also earning his Doctor of Education from Lehigh University. He reflected on his time in Lebanon with fondness and gratitude for having been welcomed so warmly by the community and for a supportive school board, which always put the students first. He loved the performing arts and was proud that the district named the high school auditorium in his honor.
After retiring, Bill and Dot moved to Marco Island, FL, and, later, to Indio, CA. They enjoyed traveling and boating, especially on the Chesapeake Bay. Bill loved spending time with his children, and after the terribly sad loss of Dot, he felt lucky to live near them in California. He found community in his neighborhood, Solos Club, especially his dear friend, Evie Spound.
Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife, Dot; loving parents; sisters, Shirley Rabert; and cousin, Jeff Starr. He is survived by his son, Scott Starr (wife, Ana); daughter, Tracey Starr (husband, Darrell Doren); Dot’s sister, Mary Evans; and several nieces and a nephew.
A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, at Keller Funeral Home, 1018 Church St., Fogelsville. The visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Private interment. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.KellerFuneralHomes.com.
To honor Bill’s memory, please support your local public schools.
