Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1945
DIED
2022
Thomas Clarke Obituary
July 22, 1945 - June 21, 2022
Former resident of
La Selva Beach
Tom passed away peacefully on June 21, 2022, after a short illness. He was 76 years old. Tom was married to his wife Patricia (Pat) for 46 years until her death in 2015. The son of Carson and Nadean Clarke, Tom was born in Bremerton, WA where he stayed until his graduation from the University of Washington and was a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. Immediately after graduation, Tom relocated to San Jose where he proudly worked for IBM until he retired.
In 2009, Tom and Pat relocated to their dream home in La Selva Beach where Tom remained until 2018. He then moved to San Diego to be closer to his daughters and granddaughters.
Tom was very enthusiastic about giving back to his community and he served as a board member for many different organizations. He was especially fond of the La Selva Beach Community Church and the United Church of Christ La Mesa.
Tom was predeceased by his parents and sister Barbara Sells. He will be missed by his daughters, Stacy Wells (Jason) & Erin Justin-Scott, along with his granddaughters, Riley Wells & Mia Bradford. Tom is also survived by family including Bernadette Strom, Jim Sells, Elizabeth Simmons (Mike), Jeff Sells, Linda Duckett, and Andrea Stange.
View the online memorial for Thomas Clarke
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Clarke
Sponsored by santacruzsentinel.com.
2 Entries
Joseph & Dorothy Williams
July 9, 2022
We happily remember this picture of the picnic and groundbreaking day for Tom and Pat's new home on Crest Drive. It is a wonderful place, I think everything they both wanted, gardens, a wood working shop, decks and enough room for many guests to enjoy their generous dinner parties. Tom said they built in one of Pat's favorite locations.
We see it and miss them both every day.
Sallie McKenna
July 4, 2022
I am a once and far away IBM worker who was lucky enough to work with and around Tom. He was to me a dear and kind colleague...a mensch.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Clarke's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas Clarke
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Clarke's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
