Montrose, Pennsylvania
Jul 30, 1920 – Jun 7, 2013
Clarke, Edmund PORTLAND, Ore. Ed was born as the only child to E. 'Harold' Clarke and his wife Rose (nee Donnellon) in Avoca, Pa. on July 30, 1920. He died peacefully at his home on June 7, 2013. His wife, Leocadia (nee Kielceski), who grew up in Montrose, Pa., passed away in 2002. He is survived by his son, Tom who lives with his wife Julie in Portland, as well as his granddaughter, Courtney and three great- grandchildren. Ed grew up in Pittston, Pa. where he attended St. John's High School. At St. John's, his love of music was born and he was skilled enough to join the professional musician's union when he was 14 years old. He would go on to play the trombone and bass fiddle professionally until he was into his eighties. Ed volunteered to join the Army during World War II in 1941. He was assigned the role of radar technician and served in the Eighth Air Force stationed in the south west of England. While there, his musical prowess was identified and he was commissioned to organize a dance band that subsequently entertained at 140 air bases throughout the course of the war. His band was so popular and good for morale that his commander had a private phone installed at his work bench to book jobs. He was married to Leocadia ('Lee') in 1948, and moved with her and their son, Tom to Albany in 1951. He pursued a career as a salesman in wholesale appliance distribution which continued until his retirement in 1982. He was a member of the Albany Symphony and played at thousands of events around the Albany area as a member of various dance bands. Ed also found time to be the director for CYO baseball and provided great memories for thousands of boys at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Albany from 1960-1980. All who knew Ed would affirm that he was an entertainer at heart, who was at his happiest when people around him were enjoying themselves. He led a full life; he was a bat boy for Babe Ruth, and played in bands for great musicians like Tommy Dorsey and Tony Bennett. Ed was a man of action, even in retirement, as he and Lee spent enjoyable time visiting and traveling with friends and family. In 2004, Ed moved to Portland to be close to his son and family.
Tom,
We are grateful to have had your parents as neighbors. They were like another set of grandparents for our children.
Ed was always full of enthusiasm when helping us out with projects around the house, both large and small.
He loved entertaining our family during the holidays. We will miss both him and Lee dearly.
The Yips
Jim and Ling Yip
July 02, 2013 | Colonie, NY
50th Anniversary
Dear Tom,
Your dad (and mom) were far more than neighbors on hialeah drive. They were like the yip girls grandparents. They filled our youth with so much joy and love, laughter and music. We never tired of mr Clarke's silly gadgets and magic tricks. Loved watching his rope tricks from the first time he performed them when I met him as a 3 year old kid to when he performed them at my high school graduation party. I am blessed to have had my time with your parents for more than half of...
Michelle Yip
July 02, 2013 | Raleigh, NC
Tom,
We never knew some of the remarkable personal aspects of your dad's life. But then the best amongst us are generally modest people. Men like him are why they call his "the greatest generation".
BRIAN TULLY
June 28, 2013 | MILWAUKEE, WI
Tommy, Was so sorry to hear about your Dad he was special and so was your Mom. My name is Margaret Theresa Rose Hunter from Avoca I hope you remember me. Your Grandfather Harold was my Godfather. my Mother was Lucille Clifford. MY married name is Myers. Husbands name is Harold and we live in Scranton now. Would love to talk with you.Try to get in touch. all my Love and Blessings to yhou and yours.
Margaret Myers
June 28, 2013 | Scranton, PA
Tommy, I was told of your Dada Passing and it brought back so many wonderful memories. Your Dad was my Mother and Fathers best man. My Mom was Luculle Clifford Hunter and my Dad was DOC Hunter from Avoca. Your Grandfather Harold was my Godfather Many of my childhood days were spent in there apt over Nathans Store in Pittston. Your Grandpop and I would walk to will McGowens Drug Store everyday, Your Grandfather was quite the dapper gentlemen.I Loved him and your GrandMother very much. We lived...
Margaret Myers
June 28, 2013 | Scranton, PA
Tommy, I was told of your Dada Passing and it brought back so many wonderful memories. Your Dad was my Mother and Fathers best man. My Mom was Luculle Clifford Hunter and my Dad was DOC Hunter from Avoca. Your Grandfather Harold was my Godfather Many of my childhood days were spent in there apt over Nathans Store in Pittston. Your Grandpop and I would walk to will McGowens Drug Store everyday, Your Grandfather was quite the dapper gentlemen.I Loved him and your GrandMother very much. We lived...
June 28, 2013
Tom,
We grew up down the street from your Mom and Dad and in 1965 I won a baseball at the Little League Field Day and it read "Luck to O.L.M." and was signed by Mickey Mantle. I still have it and never could figure out how OLM could have gotten something like that. I think now I know. R.I.P. Mr. Clark.
Mike Tully
June 27, 2013 | Nokomis, FL
Hi Tom
I'm David Allan of WABY in Albany, I do a Great American Songbook radio
show for 4 hours every weekday afternoon.
About 15 years ago Ed Clarke came to the studio with a tape. To a Big Band
version of “Chicago—that Toddlin Town”, Ed sang his own words…words about…”David Allan, he's quite a guy, he plays his tapes at WABY.”
I was thrilled and for 15 years we've used Ed Clarke's tape as our opening theme song.
Every day, five days a week. And I always begin...
David Allan
June 19, 2013 | Albany, NY
My fondest memories in youth were OLM CYO baseball. Ed was that program. Still miss field day. RIP..
June 19, 2013
