Neill Stark, 50, Pilot Mound, Iowa
PILOT MOUND, Iowa—Neill Robert Stark, age 50, of Pilot Mound, Iowa, unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
Neill was born on August 2, 1975, in Burlington, New Jersey, the son of Joyce (Hochberg) Farley and Robert Stark. He spent most of his childhood in Wilmington, North Carolina, before moving to Mildred, Pennsylvania, in 1990 and graduating from Sullivan County High School in 1993.
Neill enlisted in the United States Navy in April 1996, embarking on a distinguished 17-year career that began at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, and later included service at Naval Base Kitsap in Washington State. He earned his Submarine Warfare qualification (dolphins or “fish”) in July 1998 and went on to serve as an Auxiliary Division Leading Petty Officer (A-Gang), a role responsible for maintaining the critical mechanical, hydraulic, and atmospheric systems essential to the safe operation of a submarine, duties he carried out with immense pride and honor. Neill completed sea tours aboard the USS Maine, USS Pennsylvania, and USS Kentucky, and also served two shore assignments as a Quality Assurance Specialist at Trident Refit Facility Bangor. Throughout his service, he embodied the core values of honor, courage, and commitment that define the submarine force. He was a mentor and a leader, but most of all a great friend to many forming lasting friendships along the way. He trained hundreds of Sailors who have gone on to pass Neill’s legacy to thousands.
Following his medical retirement from the U.S. Navy in 2013, Neill continued his commitment in civilian service. He held positions as Production Controller, Logistics Management Specialist, and ultimately Trident Platform Allowance Branch Head. His watch ended, retiring in September 2025. Continuing his support as a civilian ensured he could keep supporting the Ohio Class submarines, the Trident Weapons system, and the incredible submariners who served on them. In total, Neill devoted more than 29 years to supporting our nation’s strategic submarine force and its defense. Most recently, Neill worked as a Critical Operations Supervisor for QTS, a digital infrastructure company providing data-center solutions. He was also a lifelong learner who earned multiple college degrees and professional certificates, taking great pride in continually expanding his knowledge.
In December 2021, Neill met Shannon Zinnel on Reddit, an online community where people discuss shared interests. What began as a simple exchange in a comment thread quickly grew into long conversations and a deep connection. Neill made the 15-hour drive from Pennsylvania to Iowa to meet her in person, and from that first visit their love continued to grow. She told him that she loved him first. They were united in marriage on July 29, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Becoming a family, he was a loving father to Kinsie that he truly loved as his own. Neill and Shannon took many trips together and spent many lazy days as companions. Every day he would tell her he was proud of her, that she was capable, intelligent, and strong. He was her man, caretaker, provider, and best friend. He was patient with her and challenged her to dream. They loved each other completely. He described it as an ease to their relationship. A feeling of floating without having to tread dangerous water.
Community was important to Neill. He fully embraced Shannon’s family and friends, including the families of the volleyball teams she and Kinsie coached. He attended countless volleyball matches and became a familiar, supportive presence. He loved being at any sort of game. He would never turn down a game of cribbage. He enjoyed trivia, competing in many trivia nights with the Trivia Savants. Neill was tech-savvy and always willing to help others when they needed it whether it was to find the best purchase or fix a problem. He was known for having the newest device or gadget, and he proudly drove vehicles with the latest bells and whistles, a running joke among those who loved him for being a little “bougie.” Quality of life, he would say.
His mom and sisters were his first loves. He loved playing cards and board games, especially exploding kittens with his nieces and nephews. He was a lifelong devoted Philadelphia Eagles fan and season ticket holder, often attending games with his sister, Lisa, that he was so proud of. His sister Crystal held a special place in his heart. He was his mom’s beautiful boy, her protector. He loved his family as much as he loved the ocean.
Neill was preceded in death by his stepfather, James Farley; his father, Robert Stark; his paternal grandparents, John and Dorothy Chase; and his maternal grandparents, Francis Hochberg and Loraine McCord. He is survived by his wife, Shannon Zinnel of Pilot Mound, Iowa; his stepdaughter, Kinsie (Alex) Upah of Champaign, Illinois; his mother, Joyce Farley of Dushore, Pennsylvania; two sisters, Lisa (Craig) Dostick of Muncy, Pennsylvania, and Crystal Spencer of Dushore, Pennsylvania; nieces Rachel Dostick, Elliana Dostick, and Alison Spencer; nephews Lincoln Dostick and Travis Spencer; his Navy brothers, and many others who held a special place in his life.
Neill will be remembered for his wonderful laugh, his hugs, his patience, his generosity, his gentle spirit, his quick wit, and the steady, unwavering loyalty he offered to everyone fortunate enough to know him. To describe a life so layered is impossible. We were blessed to have him. He was deeply loved and a good man.
Visitation will be held Monday, July 6, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel, 1006 6th Street, Boone. At 11:30 AM a short prayer will be said by Pastor Mark Kvale, before going in procession to the Veterans Memorial at Linwood Park Cemetery for Military Honors conducted by the US Navy and the Boone Veterans Council. The family will also be present at the Cobblestone Event Space from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM to accept condolences. There will be a Memorial Service held at a later date in Dushore, Pennsylvania. Neill’s final resting place will be, Burial at Sea.
Memorials may be mailed to the family at Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel, c/o Neill Stark Family, P.O. Box 15, Boone, IA 50036-0015.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets in Boone. Online condolences may be left for Neill’s family at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com.
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