SALEM, NH: Joseph J. Clark, 81 of Salem, N.H., died on October 29, 2015, surrounded by his loving family in Windham, N.H., where he had been a resident at the Grace House since January of 2015.
Joseph was born in Lawrence, M.A., on May 1,1934. He was the son of Michael J. and Mary E. (Droney) Clark. He was predeceased by his half-brother, Silas E. “Al” Foster in 1960. Joseph graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1951. During the summers of 1949-1951, Joseph was employed at Canobie Lake Park. Upon graduating from high school, he had received a full scholarship to Divinity School at Merrimack College however he choose to follow in his father’s footsteps and was employed at New England Power Company from 1951-1953 as a lineman. He later pursued a goal to serve his country and enlisted in the Air Force in April of 1953. During his time of enlistment he served oversees in Gaum in the 326th Bomb Squadron. He was honorably discharged in April of 1957. He received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
Following his military enlistment, he began work on the St. Lawrence Seaway Project where he met the love of his life, Shirley. They were married on April 26, 1958, in a civil ceremony in Oswegatchie, N.Y. Shortly thereafter, the couple moved to Lawrence, Mass., and later relocated to Salem, N.H., where they had resided for the last 54 years.
Joseph was employed much of his life as lineman and a General Foreman for Granite State Electric Company and Boston Edison. He was a member of Local Union 369.
Joseph was a strong and passionate man who was very content in just being with his family. When involved in hobbies whether it was learning how to fly, scuba diving, body building, karate, wood working, cooking, learning foreign languages or just enjoying his St. Bernard’s he gave it his all. He instilled strong values in his children that will never be forgotten.
Joseph is survived by his son, Michael, wife, Patricia and their three children, Candice, Jenna and Allison; and her daughter, Kathleen, husband, Kenneth Harris and their two children, Samantha and Ian all of Londonderry, N.H.. He will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts.
At his request, the family will be holding a private celebration of life ceremony and burial at Elmwood Cemetery in Methuen Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Grace House, 23 Mammoth Road, Windham, N.H. 03087. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry, NH, is assisting the family with arrangements.