Samuel Starr, a cornerstone of Scranton, PA, and the beloved owner of Starr Uniform, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 74 on Tuesday evening. His passing marks the end of an era for the countless firemen and policemen he outfitted and befriended at his Center Street store, a true Scranton institution. Born to the late Arnold and Elma Starr, Sam was a Scranton native through and through. Even after venturing away to earn his degree from C.W. Post College at Long Island University, Scranton always beckoned him home. It was in Scranton, at Starr Uniform, where he truly belonged.
Starr Uniform wasn’t just a business for Sam; it was a passion and a legacy. He built Starr Uniform Scranton Pa into a thriving enterprise through a remarkable combination of business savvy, genuine charisma, and an almost unbelievable memory for his customers. He remembered measurements, preferences, and even personal details, making every customer feel valued. More than just a uniform supplier, Samuel Starr became a pillar of the Scranton community. He derived immense joy from helping others, whether lending a hand to old friends or welcoming new faces, always without expecting anything in return. His generosity was legendary, often manifested in practical gifts like warm, military-grade socks or more substantial donations to local causes. Starr Uniform Scranton PA was synonymous with Sam’s generous spirit.
Beyond Starr Uniform, Sam had a zest for life. Inheriting his father Arnold’s love for automobiles, Sam cherished Sunday drives through the scenic backroads of Newton in his sports cars. These weren’t solitary excursions; they were opportunities for connection, joyfully shared with his children and grandchildren, often culminating in a sweet treat of ice cream. In recent years, Sam and his wife Lisa discovered tranquility at Lake Ontario in Upstate New York. There, they relished peaceful afternoons kayaking and witnessing breathtaking sunsets from their deck, a world away from the bustling Starr Uniform Scranton PA. His compassion extended to the animal kingdom; Sam was a dedicated sponsor of Indraloka Animal Sanctuary in Dalton, reflecting his deep love for animals.
Samuel Starr is survived by Lisa Luger Starr, his wife of 40 years, his sister Susan Starr, sons Adam (Esther) and Daniel, and daughter Lindsay Gray Landman (Mark). As “Peepa” to his grandchildren Charlie, Max, Will, Ali, and Enzo Starr, he was the quintessential doting grandfather. His grandchildren knew him as a source of playful pranks, unexpected hundred-dollar bills, and comforting rice pudding. The Scranton community, and especially those connected to Starr Uniform Scranton PA, mourns the loss of a truly exceptional man.
A funeral service celebrating Sam’s life will be held Friday at 11:30 a.m. at the Jewish Community Center of Scranton, 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, officiated by Rabbi Dovid Saks and Cantor Vladimir Aronzon. Interment will follow at Temple Israel Cemetery, Dunmore. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends at the Jewish Community Center from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed via the funeral home Facebook page or at www.scrantonfilms.com/livestream. Shiva will be observed at the family residence on Saturday evening (6-8 p.m.), Sunday (11 a.m.-1 p.m. & 6-8 p.m.), and Monday and Tuesday evenings (6-8 p.m.). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Sam’s name can be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org), Jewish Family Service of NEPA (www.jfsnepa.org), or Indraloka Animal Sanctuary (www.indraloka.org).
