HARTFORD, CT - Rodney Edward Clarke, 82, of South Windsor Ct, passed away on Friday, September 26th at Den-Mar Health and Rehabilitation Center in Rockport, MA. He was the husband of the late Christine A. (Greeley) Clarke.
Born in East Hartford, CT on June 26, 1932, he was the son of the late Edward and Marthe (Sinard) Clarke. He and Christine married in 1961. They lived for several years in East Hartford before buying their home and raising their family in South Windsor Connecticut.
As a young man, Rodney joined the Army and was stationed in Alaska working in the telecommunications field. Upon returning home, he was employed by Western Electric before pursuing his own businesses.
He attended the World Wide College of Auctioneering in Mason City, IA, earning an Auctioneer designation and going on to run a successful Auction and Antique business before opening his fishing and tackle shop. Along with Christine, Rodney owned and operated Clarke & Clarke Fishing and Tackle on John Fitch Blvd. in South Windsor. Customers were like family at Clarke & Clarke, often stopping in to share stories as much as they were there to buy fly ties, and bait.
Rodney’s talents were humble and abundant including cultivating a half acre garden in his backyard, building custom cabinetry, and building his own cottage in Holland, MA.
He loved Florida, where he spent many vacations camping, fishing and boating on the coast. Key West was his paradise.
He was a tremendous father and grandfather, loving husband and dedicated friend; a strong but easy going man who always welcomed a good debate, and loving hugs.
He leaves his daughter, Christine Marek of Rockport, MA and her family, Kyle Marek, Brendan Garrigan, David Marek, Aaron Marek and Matthew Marek; his daughter, Marlene Clarke Victorine, and her husband Robert Victorine, and their children Alex, Juliana and Erin Victorine, all of Huntersville, NC and formerly Gloucester, MA; wonderful friend Lila Victorine, of Gloucester, MA, and dedicated caregiver and friend Jane Formicella, of Gloucester, MA.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Den-Mar Health and Rehabilitation Center for their compassionate care. A Celebration of Life gathering is being planned and will be announced at a later date