Ronald N. Clarke, of Plymouth, and formerly of Weymouth,MA, passed away peacefully surrounded by his by his family on June 30,2010,at the age of 90, from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. Born May 10, 1920, the beloved son of of the late William and Minnie Clarke. He grew up in Malden,MA and graduated from Malden High School in 1939. Mr. Clarke was the devoted husband to his loving wife of 65 years, Nell Louisa ( Collins) Clarke. He was the beloved father to his four children, Regina Clarke of Bridgewater,MA ; Diana Clarke of Whitman,MA ; Claudette Baker, and her husband, Donald, of Hanson, MA ; and Ronald Clarke, and his wife, Sharon, of Carver,MA. He was the beloved and playful Grampa to Tammy, Ed, John, Jenna, Elye, Noelle, Jason, and Jessi. He will be missed by his eight great-grandchildren, Eric, McKenna, Michael, Colin, Sophia, Aria, TJ, and Anna. He is also survived by his beloved niece, Marilyn Fraulini, and her husband, Gene, of Everett,MA.
Mr. Clarke was signed by the Boston Braves as a pitcher in 1940, but his baseball career was interrupted by World War II when he enlisted in the Air Force . He was attached to the 8th Air Force and served in Europe. Speaking fluent French, he acted as an interpreter for the advance forces in France after D-Day. It was discovered that he was colorblind and he was used as a spotter, as he could see enemy camouflage from the air. He met the beautiful Nell Louisa while on tour in England, and often told the story of seeing her as she played the piano for servicemen. He married his war-bride in 1945, and the last meal they shared was on their 65th wedding anniversary in May. Mr. Clarke left the service in 1946, attended Boston University under the GI Bill and graduated in 1950. A long-time and successful greeting card salesman, he retired from Gibson Greeting cards in 1982. He was a renowned antique print collector and dealer, and his expertise in the field was respected by his peers. He and his family lived in Weymouth, MA for forty years, before he and Nell moved to Plymouth in 1992.
Burial will be at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, July 6th at 11:15. All family and friends are invited to attend. Shepherd Funeral Home in Carver is in charge of the arrangements. There will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in his honor be made to The Salvation Army 213 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148.