Christopher Michael Starling

Christopher Michael Starling, 47 of North East, MD, passed away suddenly on Saturday, November 12, 2022.

A lifelong resident of Cecil County, he was born in Elkton, Maryland on March 19, 1975.

Chris is survived by his children: Liv W. Starling and Greyson L. M. Starling, both of North East, MD; his parents: Malcolm “Mike” and Gloria (Lewis) Starling of Charlestown, MD; brother BJ (Abby); and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by his companion, Mary "Stacie" Malmgren.

Chris last worked at Benjamin Lumber Co., North East, MD. His main career consisted of being a former Fire Fighter for the Department of Veteran Affairs at Perry Point, Maryland, and a Fire Specialist for the Department of Defense at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Chris earned a Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection and earned a double master’s degree in Business Administration and Homeland Security from the University of Maryland.

Aside from his children, his main passion was spending time in nature. He was a Naturalist. Chris had numerous hobbies which included but not limited to Photography, Plant Identification, Bonsai, Tie dying (Sea Star Tie Dyes) and of course as everyone knows, Birdwatching. He loved the Grateful Dead and was a very talented musician. Being a member of numerous Bluegrass bands over the years, he could play any instrument he picked up, mastering his abilities on the mandolin. He also enjoyed many practices and coaching baseball games with his son over the years and encouraged his daughter towards her interest of Photography.

Chris was involved in many social clubs. He was a moderator for the Maryland Birdwatchers Identification Group and for the Cecil Bird Club Facebook Page. He was a lead counter in Cecil County for the Maryland Breeding Bird Atlas and a contributor to the Maryland Biodiversity Project.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2022, from 2:00pm until 4:00pm at Crouch Funeral Home, P.A., 127 South Main Street, North East, MD.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for Chris in the spring which will coincide with his favorite time of year, the Spring Bird Migration, which was his birds’ northward journey up the Atlantic Flyway.

In lieu of flowers, Chris’ family is asking for donations to be sent to Special Olympics.