The passing of Donald Starkey Sr.

The family of Donald Starkey Sr. announced his passing on February 20, 2017, caused by pneumonia after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 84. Don began his career as a moldmaker and later formed Midway Mold, a Chicago-area mold shop that he sold in 1969. He then started D&L Inc. in 1970, as an independent sales rep for several mold building companies.

In 1987, D&L (which stands for Don and his wife Lois) began distributing components for molds. Three years later, he pursued a role with Cam Fran Tool as its sales manager, and D&L was purchased in 1990 by Starkey’s sons, Don Jr. and Glenn. The company then became Progressive Components. While Don Sr. was not active within the company, he was present at all board meetings, attended trade shows and company events, and was a constant source of inspiration to all at Progressive.

A proponent for the industry, Don worked for the American Mold Builders Association for $1 a year after he retired, organizing trade shows and working these exhibitions to promote American mold building.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 23.