Charles R. Clarke Sr.

DERBY: Charles R. Clarke Sr., 85, peacefully entered into eternal rest on March 12, 2016, at Griffin Hospital, with his loving daughter, Lori, by his side. He was the devoted husband for fifty-eight years to the late Anneliese Bertl Clarke. He often stated that she was his soul mate, friend and the love of his life. Charley or Chaz, as he was known, was born in Shelton on Sept. 21, 1930, son of the late George and Agnes Rice Clarke. Charley served his country for nearly four years with the U.S. Army 9th Division, the 6th Armored Calvary 7th Army and Army Service Forces during the Cold War in Germany at the time of the Korean War. After being honorably discharged, he joined the AVCO Lycoming Corp. for two years. He was then employed for thirty- eight years with the S.O.C. Company and its successor companies; The United Shoe Machinery, U.S.M. Pop Fasteners, Emhart and Black and Decker. He was a supervisor of special tooling and as a production foreman of rivet fastener assembly and assembly of both manual and pneumatic rivet setting tools. Upon retirement, he was retained as a consultant of the industry. Charley was president of the U.S.M. and Emhart Quarter Century Club and a former member of the Naugatuck Valley Management Club. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1236 and the John H. Collins Post 24 of the American Legion. As an active member of the Derby United Methodist Church for over fifty-five years, he served as president of the Board of Trustees, Chair of the Board of Finance, Lay Leader, Lay Speaker, superintendent of the former East Derby Satellite Community Sunday School at Bradley Elementary School, member of the church choir and numerous other committees. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Lori Clarke and her longtime companion Michael Budzik of Derby, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. Charley was predeceased by his beloved son, Charles Richard Clarke Jr. Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Friday March 18, 2016, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. At 7:00 pm, a funeral service in celebration of Charlie's life will take place with Rev. James Midgely officiating, followed by U.S. Army military honors. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 26 Lester Street, PO Box 522, Ansonia, CT 06401. To send an act of sympathy, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com.