Obituary of Robert F. Clark, Jr.

On September 12, 1954 in Binghamton, NY, Dr. Robert F. and Helen K. Clark were blessed with the birth of their son Robert F. Clark, Jr. On September 26, 2017 the Lord called his son home. Bob now resides in Heaven celebrating his spiritual rewards and praising his God forever. He is predeceased by his parents, Dr. Robert F. Clark and Helen K. Clark. He is survived by his brother Mark J. Clark; nephew Adam J. Clark and sister-in-law Rita C. Clark; Aunt Eileen; Sr. Anne L. Clark, Latham, NY; Aunt Rita Finn-Pereira, Cupertino, CA; Uncle and Aunt E.G. (Jerry) and Alice Clark, Indian Trail, NC; Aunt Eleanor Hess Clark, Endicott; Aunt Ellen O'Neill, Christiansburg, VA; and many cousins scattered around the country. Two brief marriages were in Bob's past to Shari Holtgren, Huntington, W.VA., and Terry Sullivan, Philadelphia, PA. Bob led a full and fulfilling life. At St. John the Evangelist Grammar School he embraced scholastics while enjoying Boy Scouts and the C.Y.O. High School at Catholic Central saw Bob graduate with honors, excelling in math and science. At Clarkson College he earned a coveted degree in Chemical Engineering. Through all this studying, Bob was able to cultivate a passion for rock and roll music and New York sports teams, especially the Yankees and Knicks. He also enjoyed General Motors vehicles. A twenty year career in chemical engineering started at Air Products Corp. in Michigan in 1976. It ended as Plant Manager for Purolyte Corp. in Philadelphia. A personal desire changed his career path to teaching in 1996. Students enjoyed him, his wit, wisdom and genius. For the next twenty years Bob truly love his time in the Camden, New Jersey Charter School System. He was accomplished, highly decorated and twice voted "Teacher of the Year". The children he taught High School math were a big part of his life and represented an extended family in Bob's big beautiful heart. Bob's nuclear family of Mom, Dad and Brother were the primary focus of his unbounded love. That later extended to nephew Adam and sister-in-law Rita. He enjoyed a spirited debate anytime about social, political, spiritual or sports issues. He enjoyed a trip to the Jersey Shore, holidays and special events with family, a good cigar and cold beer and especially his beloved Cadillacs. His wonderful and loving neighbors and friends Tom and Marie and George and Ellen at his South Jersey home became irreplaceable parts of his life also. Bob always and forever wrapped his arms around his Roman Catholic faith. Very active at St. John's in Binghamton and St. Lawrence in Lindenwold, NJ. As an Altar Boy, usher, teacher and volunteer. He was also a trustee and parish council member at St. Lawrence. Bob loved and celebrated his Irish heritage. He stood for and saluted with pride his country and its flag. Bob gloried in music of many types but mostly rock and roll attending hundreds of live performances at all venues around our great nation. He routinely could name and artist or song after hearing only one or two notes. He loved sports and participated annually in "The Clark Classic Golf Tournament" with family and friends. Taken so soon from us Bob is reunited with his parents in God's presence. He was a loving, devoted, faithful and caring man who gave wholly of himself to all and they touched his life. Bob will be and already is truly mourned and missed, especially by his little brother and best friend Mark who shared so much during the journey along the path of life. Peace and love be with you Bob. God's blessings with dignity and honor to Robert F. Clark, Jr. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Vincent de Paul Blessed Sacrament Church, Clubhouse Road, Vestal, Monday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in St. Augustine's Cemetery, Silver Lake, PA. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.