George (Butch) Starkie grew up in Massapequa Park, Long Island, attending Farmingdale schools. He has been working in the agricultural field since the age of 14. With his family going through a financially difficult time, George, along with his brother John, started a landscape company to help pay the bills. Together, they grew a successful landscape and design build company, remaining partners until 2005. Today Butch Starkie is the sole owner and operator of Starkie Brothers Garden Center and has a number of other businesses in the horticultural field, including a seed and fertilizer company, a 66-acre in-ground farm operation and a 20-acre perennial farm, both on the North Fork of Long Island.

Butch is a member of the Long Island Farm Bureau and a strong advocate for the local agricultural community. He is involved in various programs related to farming and agricultural stewardship. Butch is also a very active member of his local community. In 2006, he became an elected official as Trustee for the Incorporated Village of Farmingdale. After serving two years in this position, he decided to run for Mayor. He ran a successful campaign and was elected Mayor of Farmingdale Village in March of 2008. With over 35 years of experience in business management, fiscal oversight, community relations and public service, his transition into elected office was a natural fit. His term as Mayor ended in 2012.

Butch lives in Farmingdale Village with his wife of 25 years, Patti, and their four children, Hank, Heather, Luke and Nick. When he’s not running 4 companies, Butch enjoys flying helicopters, restoring his 1953 Packard and spending time with his family at their Farm. Butch and Patti are also active members of St. Kilian Parish in Farmingdale.