Francis Hunter Startare Jr.

Francis Hunter Startare Jr., 73, of Washington, passed away Friday, May 1, 2026.

He was born on September 13, 1952, in Beallsville, a son of the late Francis Hunter Startare and Betty (Ryan) Startare.

Francis was a 1970 graduate of Ringgold High School and went on to earn his associate’s degree.

He began his service in the United States Army and went on to proudly serve his country for 35 years in the Air National Guard as a 171st Refueling Wing crew chief technician. He was also a member of the First 101st Attack Battalion. During his years of service, he traveled the world and cherished those experiences, as well as the lifelong friendships he built along the way.

A devoted member and Deacon of First Presbyterian Church 1793 in Washington, Pennsylvania, Francis was a simple man who found joy in the things that mattered most. He was most proud of his service to his country and of his son, whom he loved dearly. His family meant everything to him.

Francis had a passion for genealogy and spent countless hours researching his family’s history. He and his wife traveled to Italy to retrace the footsteps of his ancestors, and he cherished those memories deeply. He also found great joy in restoring his father’s 1959 Fiat with his brother and later enjoyed nights out with friends at local car shows. A natural carpenter, he had a gift for building and could make just about anything with his hands.

He will be remembered for his quiet strength, his deep sense of duty, and the love he had for his family and lifelong friends.

Surviving are his wife of 18 years, Carol Switzler Startare; a son, Michael (Karen) Startare; two stepdaughters, Lauren (Jason) Hathaway and Stephanie (Justin) Whitehouse; two brothers, Frank (Marge) Startare and John Startare; four sisters, Sarah (John) Ames, Emma Jean Turino, Becky (James) Dittmar and Maxine Wohleber; four stepgrandchildren, Kaden, Karson and Kash Hathaway and Grayson Whitehouse; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis Hunter Startare and Betty (Ryan) Startare, and his sister-in-law, Pam Startare.

Family and friends will be received from 3 to 6 p.m., with service to follow, Friday, May 8, 2026, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, with Pastor Steve Smith officiating. Interment will be held in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org/ways-to-give.