Our History

Stark & D'Aprile, Certified Public Accountants, PC, is a successor to various local accounting firms practicing in Cohoes since 1932. The founder, Lillian (Belanger) Gillen, saw an opportunity to assist her community and opened her own tax and accounting practice, establishing what is the second oldest continuously operating business in Cohoes, NY. Donald A. Wilson, CPA, joined Lillian and went on to help her grow the firm until her retirement in 1980. In 1990, both Marie T. Wilson, CPA, and Marie E. Stark, CPA, became partners, with Bryan T. Basila, CPA, added as a partner in 2001. Donald A. Wilson, CPA, or Mr. Wilson as he was affectionately known in the office, served as a great mentor and friend to the current partners, Marie E. Stark, CPA, and Amanda D'Aprile, CPA.

The success of Stark & D'Aprile CPAs, PC, as we are known today, is largely due to the history and mentorship of our firm's founders and the ideals they possessed. The single most important factor in our firm's longevity throughout our nearly ninety-year history has been our uncompromising commitment to the highest standards of quality and professionalism, a standard set by our founder and mentor, Donald A. Wilson, CPA. Providing quality service to our clients is our primary objective, and we ensure the highest standards of performance by focusing on building lasting relationships with our clients.

Contact us to discuss how our firm can help you with your personal and business needs.

Our Partners

Marie E. Stark, CPA President

Marie E. Stark, CPA

President
  • BBA Accounting, Siena College
  • Certified Public Accountant
  • Series 66 License
  • Life, Accident, and Health Insurance Licenses

For over thirty years, Marie has enjoyed working with her clients to develop tax-conscious strategies to address their unique situations. She believes that taking the time to get to know her clients and understanding their particular needs, wants, fears, and goals is the key to achieving the best financial outcome. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants as well as the NYS Society of Certified Public Accountants. Throughout her career, she has been actively involved in her community, having served on several boards and committees. She has also been involved in many professional organizations, including Executive Network, Executive Women's Golf Association, Colonie Chamber of Commerce Women's Business Council, and Capital Region Executives. In her free time, Marie enjoys running, golfing, skiing, snowshoeing, long walks on the beach in Maine, and relaxing with a good book. She cherishes time with family and close friends, especially her husband, Jeff, and three children, Michael, Amanda, and Alicia.

Amanda D'Aprile, CPA Vice President

Amanda D'Aprile, CPA

Vice President
  • BS Business and Management, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  • MS Accounting, Siena College
  • Certified Public Accountant
  • Series 65 License
  • Life, Accident, and Health Insurance Licenses

Amanda D'Aprile began her accounting career with a Big Four accounting firm after earning a Master's in Accounting from Siena College. In 2019, she joined the firm and has enjoyed working with clients to understand and solve their tax and accounting needs. She believes trust is the foundation of confidence and is best achieved through a deep understanding of her clients. Amanda is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, as well as the NYS Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Our Staff

A man in a suit and tie smiling for the camera.

Jeffrey W. Stark

Tax Associate/Technology Coordinator
  • BS. Computer Science, Siena College
  • Series 65 License
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Sage V. D'Aprile

Tax Associate/Practice Manager
  • BS Business and Management, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  • Series 65 License
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Mary Uhlig

Client Service Associate
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Margaret Powers

Administrative Associate
  • Notary Public