In his research field, which included physically, neglected, malnourished or emotionally abused children, Dr. Starr and his work was "internationally known," Dr. Black said.
He retired from UMBC three years ago.
A parent of a Down syndrome child, he was founder and past president of the National Down Syndrome Congress. He was also a member of numerous professional organizations.
Dr. Starr was an accomplished photographer and book artist.
"Most people knew Ray only as a development psychologist, but he also had the heart of a serious artist. He evolved from a novice to an exhibiting professional artist," said Tom Beck, chief curator of the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery at UMBC and a longtime friend.
Dr. Starr also made the paper and designed and sewed the bindings for books he assembled in his basement workshop, said his wife of 48 years and childhood sweetheart, the former Janice Cohen.
He was a member of the Baltimore Jewish Cultural Chavurah.
Services will be held at noon today at Sol Levinson & Bros., 8900 Reisterstown Road.
Also surviving are two sons, Matthew R. Starr of Silver Spring and David H. Starr of Wayland, Mass.; a brother, Norton L. Starr of Amherst, Mass.; and two grandchildren.
