Joseph A. Clark, age 81 of Brockton and Wareham, died Monday, March 2, 2015 at the McCarthy Care Center surrounded by family and friends after a short period of failing health. He was the loving husband of Caroline J. (Davis) Clark. Born July 17, 1933 in Lynn, Joe was the son of Arthur and Alfreda (Cowan) Clark. Raised in Brockton, he was a graduate of BHS Class of 1951. He also completed many technical courses, and worked as an electronic technician and television antenna man, mainly self-employed.
Joe was a self-made, hardworking man with strong family values. While working at Central Radio in 1953, he met the love of his life, Carole. Theirs was a life-long love story, celebrating 62 years of marriage. Joe was a Korean War Veteran. He loved music, playing the organ, and singing. He was a strong promoter for the Easter Seal Society and advocate for accessibility. Joe leaves positions on the Board of Directors for Heritage Design Law Group in Newton, the Board of Directors for the Standish Shores Association in Wareham, and as Poll Warden for the City of Brockton at the Kennedy School. Although Joe was mild mannered, he made it a point to get to know people and was always there when someone was in need. Most of all, Joe loved his family and friends. He was especially proud of his summer home in Wareham which he built, and hosted many family reunions and clambakes.
Joe was a dedicated member of the former Pentecost United Methodist Church. He worked as a carpenter, laborer, leader and strong fundraiser for the church. His monthly church suppers and talent dollar pecan turtles were enjoyed by many, generating funds for handicap accessibility improvements and church maintenance. He sang with the Temple Singers a cappella group, and worked at the food pantry which ran in conjunction with the Brockton Visiting Nurse Association.
Joe was an avid boater, a Past Commander and active member of the United States Power Squadron, Old Colony Division for almost 50 years. Joe took many boating courses and attained the rank of Junior Navigator. He was very active in the education department as an instructor for the USPS Safe Boating Course.
Joe is survived by his wife Caroline; his children, Donald and his partner Robin Murray of Brockton, Debbie Blosz and her husband Richard of Whitman, and Nancy Clark and her partner Kathy Gray of Bloomington, NY; his grandchildren: Sherri, John, Haley, Katelyn and Jessica Lincoln of Brockton, Joe Clark of Rockland, Jacqui Clark of Pembroke, Tina, Jared and Cameron Clark Williams of Jersey City, NJ and Nick Blosz of Whitman; many nieces and nephews and his siblings; Virginia Murdoch of Middleboro, Frederick Clark of Easton and Henry Clark of Brockton. Joe was predeceased by his son, Russell Clark and siblings, Robert Clark of Avon and Janice Militello of Florida.
Visiting Hours will be held at the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street, (Rte 123) Brockton, Sunday, March 8, 3:00-7:00pm. A Funeral Service, officiated by Pastor Richard Rego, will be held at the funeral home Monday at 11:00am. Burial will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery, West Bridgewater, MA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Old Colony Power Squadron, c/o John Gardner, 71 Lorraine Drive, East Bridgewater, MA 02333, or the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.