Gloria Starks' Obituary
Gloria Jean Starks, 84, of Fort Myers, passed away peacefully on September 7th, 2024. Gloria was born in Brooklyn, NY. She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Lillian Stark.
Gloria was raised in Miami and Miami Beach, FL where she graduated high school. Gloria met her husband, Bill, due to the similarities of their last names when he came into her bank one day to cash his payroll check. Gloria had a very successful career in banking during the 1960’s but then left that profession to become an officer at the City of Miami Police Department for over 17 years of service. Gloria rose in rank from Officer, then Sargeant, and as a Lieutenant at retirement. Gloria retired the same day her husband of 54 years, Bill, retired from the force. Gloria had several stories to tell about her time on the force that range from negotiating with picketing hippies at the 1972 Conventions for both the Republicans and Democrats on Miami Beach to her time as a court liaison where she dealt one time with a notorious serial killer in court for his crimes in Florida. She got to know the people on her beat in areas of Miami as a “street cop” and the times she was able to help people in the true spirit of “to serve and protect”.
Gloria enjoyed reading multiple genres and was an active library patron for over 50 years. She enjoyed watching mystery and crime stories on TV such as NCIS and CSI, and the shopping channels as well (HSN, QVC, etc.) Gloria devoted most of her time from 2018 through 2024 to caring for her husband Bill as he went through the stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. She visited him every day permitted and made several friends in the process. Bill’s journey ended in February, and Gloria mourned his passing through the rest of her life. Thank you to the caring, wonderful care provided at Discovery Village at the Forum to her husband and to the warmness and support given to Gloria during Bill’s journey.
Gloria will be missed by her friends, family and her fellow retirees at the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). Services will be private.
The family asks in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or your favorite police charity.
Gloria’s family has entrusted Fort Myers Memorial Gardens with the tender care of her final arrangements. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gloria J. Starks please visit our Sympathy Store.
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