Leslie Stark, a beloved renaissance man with multiple talents, died July 17, 2015, of myelodysplasia at his home in Vineyard Haven. He was 76.
Leslie was born on August 18, 1938, in Brooklyn, N.Y. He graduated from Poly Prep Country Day School and Hobart William Smith College, where he later served on the board for many years. Following graduation, he attended the Yale School of Drama. Flush with talent, he moved to New York City, where he found work in the theater and on television.
After he met his wife of 49 years, Myra, who holds a Ph.D. in English literature, he entered the world of advertising and steady work at Benton and Bowles, which later became D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles (DMB&B).
Leslie was the international marketing director of a subsidiary of Revlon, and was based in Brussels and Hong Kong. He became a successful producer of television commercials, and inspired all who worked with him. He had boundless energy and curiosity, and fully embraced everything he did. But Leslie will be remembered most for his numerous and quiet acts of kindness.
When he retired to Martha’s Vineyard, he continued to pursue his many passions, including jazz, which he taught. Leslie produced, directed, and starred in countless plays at the Vineyard Playhouse and Island Theater Workshop, and was also a member of the Peter Luce Play Readers Group.
He enjoyed ballroom dancing, and was a supreme cook.
Leslie was a member of the Chamber Music Society, and served on the board. A cancer survivor, he was a major supporter of the Cancer Society Support Group. He was also devoted to the Vineyard House. After being told his fingers were not dexterous enough for the cello, he learned and performed on the ukulele.
He also worked as a proofreader for the Vineyard Gazette, the oldest newspaper on the Island.
He is survived by his adoring wife Myra; daughter Victoria Stark; son Brian Stark and his wife Julie Ramos; granddaughter Eliana; sisters Renee Stark and Cheryl Stark; sisters-in-law Margery Meltzer and Ruth Waldbaum; brother-in-law Robert Waldbaum; nieces Karen Andrade, Jennifer Marcus, Nicole Moser, Alexandra Kinnie, and Hillary Waldbaum, who all adored Leslie and will miss him dearly.
A memorial service was held Sunday at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center. Donations in his memory may be made to the Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group. P.O. Box 2214, Martha’s Vineyard, MA 02568.
