In Memory of....
Mark York
September 13, 1960 - August 8, 2023
Mark York was a member of the Senior Theater Acting Repertory since 2014. He was an outstanding comedic actor and an integral part of the STAR Singers. Mark performed many different roles. Favorites include the crazy husband in “Jealousy,” Tommy in “The Interview” and the ever popular “Dominick the Donkey.” In addition to acting and singing, Mark wrote a script, “Ball and Chain” creatively rewrote songs, “The Brewster Family, was the percussionist, served on the board, as interim artistic director and as the visual arts director. STAR will not be the same without Mark.
Orlando Osuna
September 29, 1929 - April 20, 2022
Orlando Osuna passed away on April 20th, 2022 at his home in Queens, New York at the age of 92. He was born on September 29, 1929 in Ponce, Puerto Rico to Isadora and Andres Osuna. He came to New York City at age 20 and lived with an aunt in Washington Heights. He worked for Group W Productions for many years, including for the Merv Griffin Show where he met his beloved wife, Karla. He was a devoted, loving father to their daughter Ellen. Orlando studied opera and shared his sweet, powerful, exceptional tenor voice whenever he could. He was an active member of Temple Sholom of Floral Park, volunteering his time, singing with the choir and was a member of STAR (Senior Theater Acting Repertory) for many years. He delighted STAR's audiences with his beautiful interpretation of O' Sole Mio to a standing ovation. He had a pureness of soul, kindness of spirit and generosity of action that was authentic and unforgettable. His memory will always be a treasure and an inspiration.
Stanley K. Guttman
July 29, 1924 - May 26, 2022
Stan was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and at the age of 19, during World War II, he enlisted into the US Armed Forces. Stan received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service in Europe and he was beyond proud to be a Veteran.
Stan was a founding member of STAR, he had been with the group since the late 1980s. Stan was our patriarch. He served on the STAR Board as Co-Chairman and President for many years and performed in dramatic and comedic roles like no other. Most memorable outstanding roles include George in Of Mice and Men, St. Peter and Dr. Kronkheit. Stan’s energy, kindness, jokes and spirit inspired us to be better.
Eleanor Louise Speer
September 12, 1929 - October 28, 2021
Eleanor leaves behind many friends and family who will remember her joy, laughter and love. She was a self published writer compiling stories about her life. Readers learned about her wedding to Russ and her community theater role in South Pacific just to name a few. Her beautiful, tender, soulful voice enriched her church choir and the STAR Singers, brightening the lives of all who knew her. We greatly miss this sweet, classy lady.
Roseann Baldanza
June 30, 1949 -
June 21, 2021
Roseann was a loving wife, sister, aunt and friend, as well as a dedicated psychiatric nurse. She was a member of STAR, as well as, the Carlyle Players and Minstrel Players on Long Island. In STAR, Ro was an actor, sound technician, assistant director and all around support. Most memorable roles in STAR were as Eloise in Dalilah’s Infamous Pink Lady, Martha in Arsenic and Old Lace and Ida in The Cemetery Club. Just one more thing...Roseann is sorely missed by all in STAR.
Alice M. Ward
December 24, 1925 - December 21, 2013
Obituary
Alice Matilda Ward. Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Teacher, Librarian & Actress, died Saturday, Dec. 21st, at her home in Hollis surrounded by family and friends. A first generation American, she was born on Christmas Eve 1925, in Washington Heights, NYC to Numa Acosta and Matilda Fridstrom. Alice's passion for life never left her. She received a BA in English from Hunter College and a Master's in Library Science from Columbia University. She was a "working mom" her entire life and retired as the beloved librarian of Brandeis High School. Alice married Alfred Ward after only two dates, and they were devoted to each other until his death in 2001. They had five children. And 13 glorious retirement years together, in which they travelled the world, and became actors performing in Community Theater productions all over Queens. Alice's impersonation of Mae West was unforgettable.
