Haywood Day Clarke Sr.

CLARKE Mr. Haywood Day Clarke Sr., age 81, of Bridgeport, passed away Tuesday, June 7, 2005. Mr. Clarke was born in Bridgeport, the son of the late George Mason and Emma Day Clarke, Mr. Clarke received his formal educated in the Bridgeport school system and was in the class of 1943 at Central High School where he played basketball and was a member of the band. He was a member of the United States Army from 07/01/43 through 01/01/46 and was stationed in France during World War II. He was also a member of the State of Connecticut State Police Auxiliary Civil Defense Force. In 1943 he was united in marriage to the former Ruthe Gregory and from this union there were 12 children. Mr. Clarke was employed by the City of Bridgeport and the owner of Haywood D. Clarke Rubbish Removal service of Bridgeport. Mr. Clarke served as the president of the American Federation of Musicians, local 63-549, Bridgeport Musicians Association for 17 years. The Musicians Union was a segregated organization until the early 60"s and later he became a lifetime member. He was the founder and first president of the Bridgeport Rubbish Men"s Association. Mr. Clarke was a notable trumpet player and photographer in the Bridgeport area for more than 60 years. He was instrumental in bringing the bands of Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, Louie Armstrong, Duke Ellington and many others to Bridgeport"s famed ballrooms during the 50"s. Mr. Clarke performed with Horace Silver, Roy Eldridge and many legendary musicians during his musical career. Mr. Clarke employee of the United States Postal Service, were he continue using his musical talent playing during the holiday seasons until he retired. Mr. Clarke is survived by his 12 children, Ruthe Delight Clarke Roselle, Susan Elaine Clarke, Peter Henry Clarke, Steven Gregory Clarke, George Mason Clarke II, Cynthia Elizabeth Clarke, Emma Mary Clarke Lawson, Harold Dale Clarke, all of Bridgeport, Haywood Day Clarke Jr. of Atlanta, Ga., Kenton John Clarke, Fairfield, Kathleen Toni Clarke Graham, Charlotte, N.C., and David Allen Clarke of Monroe. Mr. Clarke is also survived by his sister, Marie Clarke Torian of Hillsborough, N.C., and was predeceased by his three brothers and three sisters, Jack Clarke, Allen Clarke, George P. Clarke, Mable Clarke Capers, Margaret Ann Clarke Gardiner, and Emma Clarke Clemons. Mr. Clarke had 21 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to the Connecticut Hospice at 100 Double Beach Road, Branford CT 06405. Friends may call on Saturday, June 11, 2005 at the Messiah Baptist Church located on 210 Congress Street, Bridgeport starting at 8:30 a.m. The funeral service will start at 11a.m. at the same location with burial service following at Mountain Grove cemetery. Arangements are in the care of Morton"s Mortuary, 25 Margaret E. Morton Lane, Bridgeport.