Edward Starr, who lived in Garden City for more than 40 years and was instrumental in introducing several new community relations initiatives for the Garden City Public Library, died on June 21st at his new home in Berkeley Heights, NJ. He was 82.

Mr. Starr served on the Library Board of Trustees for 11 years, retiring in December, 2005. He was appointed library trustee representing the CPOA on January 12, 1995. During his tenure, Mr. Starr held the posts of vice chair and chair of the Community Relations Committee. Besides being a trustee on the library board, Mr. Starr was also a member of the Kiwanis Club of Garden City, and a trustee of the Historical Society.

J. Randolph Colahan, the current chair of the library board, served on the board with Mr. Starr. "The library board is deeply saddened by the death of our highly respected former trustee Ed Starr," Colahan said. "Ed was a stabilizing factor and a voice of reason during his many years of service to the library."

Mr. Colahan added that Mr. Starr was an excellent communicator and shared his professional skills with the library board. Mr. Starr was executive vice president and director of the public relations firm Hill & Knowlton, NY. He supervised the PR affairs of many corporate and non-profit clients in the United States and abroad. He joined H&K after eight years with NBC-TV, where he was manager of publications and communications.

John M. Delany served as chair of the library board when Mr. Starr was vice chair. "Ed Starr brought a wealth of knowledge from his prior work experience to help the library when it was necessary," Delany said. "He was more than helpful to me as vice chair and always willing to do the extras and whatever was needed."

The library board recognized and honored Mr. Starr's contributions to the Garden City Library upon his retirement. Carolyn Voegler, the current library director, said, "The library gratefully recognizes Mr. Starr's long service to the library and the residents of Garden City. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the staff, I wish to offer our condolences to Mr. Starr's family."

A graduate of St. John's University, and a recipient of that school's Pietas Medal for alumni achievement, he was the author of the book, "What You Should Know About Public Relations." From 1986 to 1988 Mr. Starr was a member of Hofstra University's School of Business faculty, teaching courses in public relations, advertising, international marketing and European business.

He also served as an officer in the Army in the U.S. and Europe in 1945-46 and again in 1951-52.

Mr. Starr is survived by his wife of 59 years, Grace Wall, two sons in Connecticut and New Jersey and four granddaughters. His son Christopher Starr died in 2006.

Funeral services were held at Fairchild Sons Funeral Home in Garden City on Wednesday. A Funeral Mass was said on Thursday at St. Joseph's Church in Garden City.