Joseph Starr III died Dec. 27 at age 38.
Starr was a manager and longtime employee for stores in the Gap Inc. family of retailers. He had been living in Philadelphia for approximately 15 years.
Henry Brinton, the partner of Starr’s brother, Michael, said Starr’s passion was politics.
“As a person, he was one opinionated man,” Brinton said. “He would sit there and debate everything with you — politics, sports. He loved a good argument.”
Starr was a loved regular at Gayborhood establishments like U Bar and the former Westbury Bar.
According to Brinton, Starr enjoyed attending performances of the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus and participating in GayBINGO! events. He said Starr never missed a fundraiser in the community.
In addition to his brother, Starr is survived by sister Kimberly Patrizi and brother-in-law Rich Patrizi; parents Maryann Osborn and Joseph Starr, Jr.; and grandparents Helen and Joseph Starr, Sr.
His visitation and funeral service was held Jan. 3 at Rose Funeral Home in Bridesburg.
Memorial contributions can be made in his name to Human Rights Campaign, 1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036.