Nathan R. Stark, 23, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 6, 2017. He leaves behind his loving mother Rebecca Stark, sister Jenna Stark-Chaplin and Papa Robert B. Stark all of Boylston; his father Mervin Velez of Worcester; aunts Deborah Temple and her husband Michael of Sterling, Lynnley Whitehead and her husband Kevin of Hampton, NH; many cousins and his rescue dog Gunner. He was predeceased by his Gram Marion Stark in 2016.
Nathan was born in Worcester. He was a 2012 graduate of Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School's Culinary Arts program and played goalie for the Varsity hockey team. Nathan proudly served his country in the U.S. Army earning the rank of Sergeant. He was a 68W Combat medic serving two years in South Korea. He last served in the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division out of Ft. Drum, NY. He was a graduate of the University of Maryland. He dreamed of being a doctor and had just been accepted to Boston University. Most recently he was employed by J.B. Hunt Co.
First and foremost he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was an athlete and an avid sports fan of all New England teams. Since losing his grandmother to cancer, he was passionate about finding a cure. He was one of the founders and the spokesman for Team Stark Strong, a walking team that raises money for the UMass Cancer center.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 from 5-7 p.m. in Nordgren Funeral Home, 300 Lincoln St. Worcester, MA 01605. A memorial service will follow at 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will take place on Thursday, April 13, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Pine Grove Cemetery in Boylston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UMass Cancer Walk, 330 South Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 in care of "Team Stark Strong." For directions or to leave on online condolence message, please click on link.