George W. Stark; 74; a longtime resident of Zanesville; Ohio; died early on April 1; 2011; from complications of a long-term illness. Unfortunately he lost a tough battle; but passed away pain-free and peacefully while being accompanied by his loving wife of more than 47 years; Marilee (Ceccarelli) Stark. George was born on July 25; 1936; in Charleroi; a son to late parents George and Harriet Stark. He had one brother; Jack (deceased) and a surviving sister-in-law; Sally Stark; of Belle Vernon. He retired after 25 years of dedicated service at Cooper Industries. Always wanting to keep busy and active; he followed that career by working at 5 B’s and Kroger Fuel Center in Zanesville. In addition to his wife; George leaves behind his son; Greg; and daughter-in-law; Rose; and three grandchildren; Jake; Ellie and Wyatt. They all affectionately called him Pap Pap. Greg and his family reside in Clarksville; Md. George was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was also a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus Council 505; and was a devoted member of St. Nicholas Parish. During his days in Pennsylvania; he was a volunteer with the North Belle Vernon Volunteer Fire Department. George became involved in youth sports while following his son; Greg; through many seasons of football; baseball and basketball. A Steelers football fan for much of his life; after moving to Ohio in the late ’60s; he became a passionate Buckeye and Zanesville Blue Devil fan. Following his son’s graduation from Zanesville High School; George became the boys’ basketball official scorekeeper. The highlight of this endeavor came in 1995; when the team won the State Championship. The loving and excellent care provided by Willow Haven Care Center; in addition to Genesis Hospice and Palliative Care; gave him the ultimate respect and dignity during his eight-month stay; but especially in his final hours for which his family is extremely grateful. Friends will be received 7 to 9 p.m. Monday; April 4; in the FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY INC.; 700 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon; (724) 929-5300; www.fergusonfuneralhomeandcrematory.com. A blessing service will be held in the funeral home Tuesday; April 5; at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church with the Rev. William P. Feeney as celebrant. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Donations can be made to Genesis Hospice and Palliative Care; 713 Forest Ave.; Zanesville; Ohio. Members of the North Belle Vernon Fire Department will meet in the funeral home Monday at 7 p.m. to hold services.