Stephen Gerald Starika succumbed to COVID after an eleven days’ battle on Tuesday 16th November at 10:40 pm at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital. Steve was the husband to Stella Starika for four years.
Born on January 25th 1960 in Denver Colorado, he went to elementary and High school in Cherry Creek, attended Business School from San Diego State University in San Diego, California
Steve had so much passion for golf at very young age of 9 years where he started playing golf at Cherry Hills Country Club and was taught by Bill Majors. After attending Business School, he later went to Brian Smith PGA Golf lessons for 2years and was later transferred to The PGA Tour Golf Academy in Florida for another two years where he graduated and obtained his Professional Golfers diploma. This was a prestigious and not easy to attain diploma. After his graduation, Steve became a golf instructor under Nike in Texas. Later after leaving Nike Steve joined Carnival Cruise line where he taught golf on the cruise ship. After he retired from teaching golf, Steve continued with his passion for golf and travelled the world in playing golf and he played over 3200 different courses around the world. Steve was a member of the United States Golfers Association (USGA)Professional Golfers Association (PGA) and Pinehurst Country Club. He will truly be remembered for his great passion for golf.
After the retirement of his father Mr. Gerald Starika, Steve took over in running the Real Estate business and at the time of his death, he was still running the business.
Steve was also an avid Hard Rock lover and collector of beer mugs, shot glasses, teddy bears and T-shirts from the Rock shop. He was also a collector of various coins.
Steve was known and will be remembered for his infectious smile, great sense of humor and his kind and compassionate spirit of giving and caring for family and friends.
Steve was preceded in death by his father Gerald Joseph James Starika. He is survived by his mother Dr. Joan Doris Starika, wife Stella, his young sister Sharon, niece Mia Moyano and several nieces and nephews in Zambia Africa.
The funeral service was held on Friday November 19th 2021 at Boles Funeral Homes & Crematory and interment at Pinelawn Memorial Park.
Rest In Eternal Peace Steve.
John 14:1-4.
Online condolences may be made to www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
