Louis Starkman

Lou Starkman Obituary

With heavy hearts we share that Louis (Lou) Starkman passed away on September 20th, 2022. Lou, our Father and Pop-Pop, was 99 and left a wonderful legacy. He was born and raised in West Philadelphia on 61st Street.  His parents, Jake and Ella Starkman, came to America from Zamosc, Poland. They arrived speaking no English. Jake worked hard as a tailor and Ella as a homemaker. They set an example for Lou a life of hard work and kindness and empathy to all. He in turn taught his children the same.

Lou grew up attending Mann Elementary School. He was elected by his peers as class President in 5th grade.  He continued his leadership as Chairman of 7th and 8th grades and President of Schumacher Junior High School. His father, who never closed his shop, did so on the day of the junior high school election to see his son announced as president. Lou graduated from Overbrook High School in 1941 where he also served as Class President. Just 2 years later, Lou was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943 where he served until 1946, when he was honorably discharged.  He traveled 7 Islands in the Pacific Ocean as a carrier of funds for the soldiers. 

Lou left a legacy in the Real Estate industry, especially in the Philadelphia area. He was a mentor to many, a friend to all that knew him. He obtained his license in 1947, and broker’s license in 1950. He first worked for David E. Triester & Co. and worked with him until he opened his own office in 1958, serving as president of Louis Starkman Company until just a few years ago.

Lou was president of the Philadelphia Board of REALTORS® in 1982. He also served as president of the West Philadelphia Council, president of the Delaware Valley Council of REALTORS® Boards and was appointed to the Executive Committee of the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS®, Chairman of the Governmental Liaison Committee of PAR, and Chairman and Vice-Chair of the Grievance Committees.

In 1986, Lou was appointed trustee for the Pennsylvania REALTORS® Political Action Committee, representing the City of Philadelphia. Lou is also a recipient of the REALTOR® of the Year Award.

A civic, religious and philanthropic activist, Lou served as chancellor commander and past president of the Knights of Pythias, The Gamma Lodge (from 1950 – 2017) and State of Israel Bonds. He received citations from Presidents Kennedy and Johnson for his volunteer services with the Selective Service System and the State of Israel Freedom Medal.

One of Lou’s favorite past-times was golf and dinners on Thursday nights with his buddies at White Manor Country Club, where he was a member for over 35 years. In 1990, Lou co-created the Jerry Segal Golf Tournament, which is associated with Magee Rehabilitation Hospital. To date, it has raised more than $20mm. Lou served as Chairman for 12 years and is credited for enabling this event to keep thriving.

Lou’s biggest passion was his family. He was married to the love of his life, Joan Starkman (Pasker). They met in 1957 while Joan was on a date with one of Lou’s friends. He was taken by her beauty and personality, and they subsequently married in 1958.  They lived in Havertown and were together until Joan’s passing in 2015.

Dad was happiest when he was with his children (Lori & Larry) and his grandchildren (Justin, Brooke, Shane & Jake). He was so proud of all of them and always put family first.

Relatives and friends are invited to services, 11:30 am on Thursday (9/29/2022), at Main Line Reform Temple, 410 Montgomery Ave., Wynnewood, PA 19096.  The funeral service may be viewed online at https://mlrt.org/livestream/. Interment to follow at Mt. Sharon Cemetery.  Shiva will be observed Thursday only at Main Line Reform Temple from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lou’s memory may be made to Magee Rehabilitation, Philadelphia, PA (mageerehab@jeffersonhealth.org).

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