Memorial service set for Timothy Stark, homeless man fatally stabbed in Medford

The Medford community and beyond will gather at noon Saturday to honor Timothy Stark, the 32-year-old homeless man fatally stabbed on the Long Island Expressway service road in Medford earlier this month, for a “Celebration of Life” organizers say will include a reception and live concert following a service.

The gathering at Calvary Baptist Church of Medford, located at 2981 Horseblock Road is billed as a chance to “come together, share memories and celebrate a life well lived.”

Stark, who was undomiciled and known throughout the community, was stabbed in the back during an altercation on Express Drive South near Route 112 earlier on July 20, according to Suffolk authorities. He was rushed to NYU Langone Hospital – Suffolk in Patchogue, where he was pronounced dead.

Police soon located and arrested Joseph Norton, 20, of Manorville, in Yaphank. The Eastport-South Manor graduate has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and is being held in jail pending his trial.

Stark had been a fixture in the community for years, collecting food and other donations at the intersection of Route 112 and Express Drive South. His death prompted an immediate and visible response from neighbors, who placed candles, flowers and posters at the location where he was known to sit.

“It shows how many people cared about him,” Gianna Biondi, who organized the vigil last week that was attended by more than 60 people, told News 12. “I’ve heard the community fed him, gave him clothing. And it gave him a reason to keep going. Medford was the foundation.”

Others described Stark as a comforting, familiar presence — someone who made people smile and looked out for them, even as he lived without a home.

A GoFundMe campaign has been established by Nakeya Chambers of Coram to help cover Stark’s memorial expenses.

The fundraiser describes Stark as someone who was never defined by his homelessness, but instead was known throughout Medford for his kindness and the genuine connections he formed with neighbors, friends and merchants. Chambers wrote that the goal is to give Stark a dignified farewell and ensure “he can be remembered with the love and respect he earned throughout his life.”

_{Top: Timothy Stark (courtesy of GoFundMe)}