COMMENTARY
MILT THOMAS
Richard “Dick” Stark and his late wife, Barbara, have been well known in Vero Beach for their philanthropy and advocacy to help enrich our vibrant cultural scene as well as helping those less fortunate in our community, especially the homeless among us. He created the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council to coordinate efforts of all non-profits that deal with homeless services on the four-county Treasure Coast. He continues to chair that organization and is also deeply involved with the new Camp Haven project, a shelter for homeless men currently under construction on the site of the former Citrus Motel just north of Vero on U.S. 1.
Many people also know that Dick Stark was a survivor of the 9-11 attack in New York City. He was in New York for a meeting with his Wall Street law firm on September 10, 2001, and early on September 11, escaped the Marriott World Trade Center Hotel as it collapsed.
Fewer people are aware that he is also a recent cancer survivor. A year ago, at age 92, Stark was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer. He had just remarried (to Diana Osbahr) a few months earlier. He approached his treatment program through the Moffitt Center in Tampa with the same determination he has displayed in so many other areas of his life. Just this past week, he received the wonderful news that he had no trace of cancer in his system.
For those who know Dick Stark personally or those who have never met him but know of all his good deeds for our community, it was welcome news. Most people would be content to savor the new life given to him and take time to smell the roses. But not Dick Stark. He is still planting roses and has no intention of retiring. Instead, he is motivated to continue pouring his heart into this community and its people.
At a time in this political season when negativity seems to rule public discourse, it is only fitting that we recognize a citizen who is committed to uplifting the lives of others and in the process, making Vero Beach a great place for the rest of us.
Indian River Guardian 
We will all benefit if Richard Stark has a longer life so that he can continue to be an effective role model for the rest of us. The entire community should be uplifting the lives of others with whatever talents they possess.
Mr. Stark is an inspiration to us all. With all that is going on in his life he made time to take on another community project. On behalf of the Board of Camp Haven and those who are eargerly waiting to become residents of the program….THANK YOU Mr. Stark. May God continue to bless you! You are a role model for many of us.