David John Starkey

David John Starkey, 66, formerly of Copley, Ohio, died on August 21, 2026.

Born on December 12, 1959, David built a life marked by creativity, energy, and devotion to his family. A 1978 graduate of Garfield High School, he went on to attend Kent State University, where he studied architecture.

Dave began his career as an architectural designer in Dallas, Baltimore, and Cleveland. He became widely recognized for his remarkable ability to design and render his ideas live in front of clients, bringing vision and imagination to every project. In 2002, he founded his own business, DjStarkey Design, a milestone that reflected both his talent and independent spirit.

Dave brought that same sense of originality to his personal life. He loved traveling, thrift shopping, cycling, and running. He marched to the beat of his own drum in everything he did. As a husband, he was a best friend and partner in crime, always ready for an adventure. As a father, he was loving and doting, and he was known for spontaneous dance parties and for sharing his beautiful smile.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathy; daughters Jillian Booth and her husband, Adam Booth, and Paige Starkey and her husband, John Horn; grandsons Kaeden, Liam, and Barrett Booth; his mother, Joyce Starkey; brothers Robert Starkey and his wife, Kim, Ronald Starkey and his wife, Danielle, and John Starkey Jr.; sister Lori Whetstone and her husband, Eddie; mother-in-law Caroline Reese; sister-in-law Diane Renninger and her husband, Bobby; and many other loving family members.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Starkey Sr.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation at garysinisefoundation.org/donate

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