WWII Veteran
WILLIAMSON: Starford “Star” went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on
January 24, 2025 at age 98, at his home surrounded by family and friends. Star was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Clark. He was born May 14, 1926 in Buffalo, NY, son of Joseph and Albertine Steinhoff. Star was the second of 4 children and was predeceased by brothers James and Joseph Steinhoff and sister Margaret Kelm.
Starford is survived by his children, daughters, Joyce (Rev. Russell) Alexander of Williamson, Janet (Paul) Percy of Nashville, TN; son, John (Gail) Steinhoff of Friendship, MD, His eleven grandchildren: Matthew Alexander, Jason Alexander, Jessica Craft, Paul Percy Jr, Joanna Alexander, John Steinhoff II, Rachel Hicks, Jennifer Mazzella, Stephanie Hickcox, Daniel Steinhoff, and Sarah Otley; his 23 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
With World War II impacting the world, Star was drafted right out of high school and into the United States Army. He served with the Army’s 66th Infantry Division, the “Black Panthers”, who freed and occupied France. Returning home from the war, Star married the love of his life, Marge. Together they raised 3 children in Cheektowaga, NY and operated a successful Dump Truck Company for 5 decades, J. Steinhoff & Sons Trucking. In the winter, Star plowed snow for the grain elevators and railroad in the downtown Buffalo waterfront.
Star and Marge enjoyed country life. They bought a rundown farm in Short Tract, NY near Marge’s grandparents farm, and spent many weekends at their get-away creating a wonderful place where their children could horseback ride, drive farm equipment, swim in the pond, and enjoy nature. Starford loved the outdoors and was an avid deer hunter. In 1975, Star and Marge moved out of Buffalo into a newly built home in Wales Center that had acreage and a beautiful view. In 1997, it was decided they needed to move closer to family, thus coming to Williamson.
Star was very active in every church that the family attended, always willing to do whatever tasks needed to be accomplished, whether big or small. He loved telling stories and making people laugh.
Family and friends may gather for a calling hour time at 2:00-3:00 PM on Sunday, February 2, at Bible Baptist Church, 6463 Salmon Creek Rd. Williamson, NY 14589 where Starford’s memorial service will be held at 3 PM, Starford will privately be laid to rest in Short Tract Cemetery.
Expressions of Sympathy may be directed to a Memorial Fund in his memory at Bible Baptist Church. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit Starford’s tribute wall www.murphyfuneralservices.com.
