Richard O. Clark Sr., 92, of Watertown, died Monday, February 19, 2018, after a long illness, in Watertown surrounded by his three daughters.
Mr. Clark was born January 13, 1926 in Plymouth, Maine, son of Rodney W. and Hazel H. Clark. He was a graduate of Maine Central Institute, Pittsfield, Maine, and joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1944-46 where he served as a Staff Sargent in the North African and Italian campaigns. He retired from the Uniroyal Chemical division after 33 years and then started the Dick Clark Home Improvement Company.
He was a Life Member of the Watertown Lions Club where he served as District Governor, Zone Chairman, and President of the Watertown Club. He was the first recipient of Watertown’s Melvin Jones Fellowship Award and was also recognized as a Knight of the Blind. This is when he started the Lions Club’s infamous LOFPC. He was a member of the American Legion Post #273 Madeira Beach, Florida; VFW Post 1946 Naugatuck, CT; and Meridian Masonic Lodge 125, A.F. & A.M., Pittsfield, Maine. He was a long time member of Christ Episcopal Church, Watertown; St. John’s Episcopal Church, Waterbury; and St. Albans, Treasure Island, Fl. where he served as clerk, vestry member, parish agent and tenor in all three choirs.
He is survived by three daughters, Karen M. Obar of Watertown, Kathleen E. Trowbridge of Middlebury and Lowell Anne Dwyer and her husband, Albert, of Watertown; three step-children, David Hartley and his wife, Marie, Kristin H. Leithiser and her husband, Chuck, and Peter Hartley and his wife, Lori; 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; three sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wives, Marjorie F. Ireland and Barbara W. Hartley; and a son, Richard O. Clark Jr.; as well as his half-brother, Albert; half-sister, Ila; and his two brothers, Paul and Kenneth.
A celebration of his life will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 24, at Christ Episcopal Church, 25 The Green, Watertown. Burial is at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be sent in his name to Christ Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 241, Watertown 06795.