Elwood V.

Stark, Jr.

Elwood V. “Woody” Stark, Jr.

July 8, 1943 – October 15, 2026

Elwood V. “Woody” Stark, Jr. passed away on October 15, 2026, following a long illness. He was 83.

Born in Havre de Grace, Maryland, to Elizabeth Genevieve Stark and Elwood V. Stark, Woody grew up with a deep affection for his hometown and the Harford County community that would remain central to his life.

Woody enjoyed a distinguished legal career spanning more than five decades, earning the respect of colleagues and serving generations of families and institutions throughout Harford County and beyond. A graduate of the University of Maryland, the University of Richmond School of Law, and the University of Baltimore, he was a partner at Stark & Keenan in Bel Air, where his practice encompassed real estate, estate and elder law, litigation, land use and zoning, municipal law, and mediation.

His career also included service as Harford County Attorney, municipal legal counsel, and President of the Harford County Bar Association. He was a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the National Association of College and University Attorneys.

Woody's contributions extended well beyond his law practice. He taught at Harford Community College, volunteered as a mediator, and generously shared his legal knowledge with local non-profit organizations.

Outside the office, Woody had an endless curiosity about the world. He loved the outdoors, whether bicycling along the C&O Canal towpath or exploring America's national parks, particularly the Grand Canyon and Zion. He delighted in a Southern Road trip, preferably with no particular schedule and plenty of opportunities to discover the best barbecue along the way.

Something of a Renaissance man, Woody had wide-ranging interests in history, music, literature, art, and politics. He was an avid reader and equally happy engrossed in a documentary or a British mystery series. He also loved sports. A devoted Ravens and Orioles fan, his greatest allegiance was always to his beloved Maryland Terrapins. Few things pleased him more than cheering on the Terps, especially when a trip to College Park included a visit to his old Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity house.

Above all, Woody was devoted to his family. He took particular joy in being a grandfather and was a constant, loving presence in his granddaughters' lives. From dance recitals and countless Saturday morning riding lessons to graduations and even the first day of graduate business school, he was always there, cheering them on and celebrating every milestone, large and small.

For all his travels and interests, Woody never lost his connection to Havre de Grace. He remained deeply attached to the town where he was born and raised and always seemed most at peace near the banks of the Susquehanna River.

He will be deeply missed.

Woody is survived by his wife, Gayle Stark, of Baltimore; his daughter, Heather Stark Noyes, and son-in-law, Talbott Noyes, of Baltimore; his two cherished granddaughters, Hannah, and Lilah Noyes, of New York, New York; and his two stepchildren, Hugh Williams, of La Plata, Maryland, and Helen Lee Sale, of Baltimore.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of Richmond School of Law. Visiting its official website will provide donation instructions.