Douglas R. Starrett, 81, chairman and retired CEO of The L.S. Starrett Co. (Athol, MA) has died. D.R., as he was known to his friends and family, was an industry pioneer and active in many industry associations. He worked his entire career at Starrett, where he began as an experimental toolmaker. He worked his way up in the company ladder and was named chairman and CEO in 1994. He remained in that position until his son, Douglas A., succeeded him in September.