Christopher M. Starke

Christopher M. Starke, 44, of Spring Twp., passed away on Friday, April 18, 2025 at Penn State Health St. Joseph Hospital with his loving mother by his side. Born in Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of Linda M. (Mittower) Palm and the late David E. Starke. Christopher graduated from Wilson High School, class of 2001. Christopher was a member of St. James Lutheran Church(Reading), and attended Lazy H Therapeutic Horseback Riding Academy (both now closed). Prior to COVID, Christopher attended Berco Day Program. He participated in Special Olympic's ramp bowling. Christopher enjoyed watching from home and going to both Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia Phillies events, Disney Cruises, rock and country music concerts, yearly trips to the beach - especially Wildwood, NJ, and riding the boardwalk "tram car". Christopher's favorite movies were the Lion King ones and he loved Silent Night, You Are My Sunshine, and most definitely the "Happy Birthday Song", those were always guaranteed to bring a huge smile, ear to ear on his face. Christopher volunteered making homemade cards and craft for Lebanon VA Hospital. Christopher will always be known for his big, beautiful smile, his laughter, and especially his squeeze tight hugs.

In addition to his mother, Christopher is survived by William Gegenfurtner husband of Donna, Mt. Penn, Dorothy Mittower, Topton, PA, his Aunt Kay Mittower, and his Uncle Michael Potter. He is also survived by his cousins Robert J. Mittower Jr., Micah, Jordan and his wife Tabitha, Joey, Izabella, Noah, Alanna, Josiah, Aurora, Isaiah and Isaac. Kristopher Shade, Alvin Shade Jr. husband of Wendy, Melodie, Kayla, and Zachary. Also surviving are his cousins in Nong Khai, Thailand; Sudjai, husband of Pitsamai Kittamart, Amanda (Rissy), wife of Narongrid Singha, and their children Panuwat and Kalaket Singha. He was preceded in death by his uncle Robert J. Mittower Sr. and his grandmother, Catherine Mittower, Grandma Mable Ruppert, Dolly Harter and Arthur P. Ruppert.

Visitation with family and friends will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM with services beginning at 11:00 AM at Lutz Funeral Home, Inc., 2100 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading, PA 19606. Interment will follow at Laureldale Cemetery, 4631 Pottsville Pike, Reading, PA 19605. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Christopher's memory to Berks County Eastern Easter Seals Society c/o Camp Lily, 90 George St. Reading, PA 19605 or Make a Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia, York Regional Office Meadowlands Center 3572 Concord Rd York, PA 17402, for use in granting wishes of children in Berks County with a critical illness. Lutz Funeral Home, Inc., is entrusted with the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.LutzFuneralHome.com