—Douglas R. Starrett, 81, chairman and retired CEO of the L.S. Starrett Co., died Monday, Nov. 5, at Worcester Medical Center in Worcester, Mass., after a brief illness.

Starrett spent his entire career at the L.S. Starrett Co. He began as an experimental tool maker and was named chairman and CEO in 1994. He remained CEO until his son, Douglas A. Starrett, succeeded him in September.

Starrett was born in Framingham, Mass., and lived his entire life in Athol, Mass., where the L.S. Starrett Co. is still headquartered. He was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II, serving three years as a bomber pilot with the 8^th Air Force in the European theater.

Starrett is remembered fondly in the industrial distribution community for his involvement with the American Supply & Machinery Manufacturers' Assn. (now known as the Industrial Supply Manufacturers Assn.). He was an ASMMA board member for many years and stayed active in recent years by attending industry conventions, said Chuck Stockinger, executive director of ISMA. Stockinger said Starrett took pride in his company and the industry.

"[L.S. Starrett Co.] is just a classy operation. They're good people and they are very supportive of industrial distribution and the trade associations that support the industry," said Stockinger. "Doug set the tone there and we're going to miss him. Our condolences go out to his family."

Starrett was involved in other associations, as well, such as the American Measuring Tool Manufacturers Assn. and the Hack and Bandsaw Manufacturer's Assn. of America (now known as the North American Sawing Assn.).

Starrett leaves his wife of 11 years, Joan (LaBonte) Starrett; his son, Douglas A. Starrett of Athol; two daughters, Susan Martin of Cumberland, Me., and Sarah Starrett of Santa Monica, Calif.; a stepson, Paul Gabrenas of Grafton, Mass.; a stepdaughter, Renee Gabrenas of Hyannis, Mass.; a sister, Nancy Boyd of Birmingham, Ala.; and five grandchildren. Starrett's first wife, Janet (Nichols) Starrett, died in 1987.