Andrew "Chowder" Clark

(Asbury Park Press)

ANDREW "CHOWDER" CLARK
AGE: 58 HIGHLANDS
Andrew "Chowder" Clark, 58, of Highlands passed away peacefully Saturday July 10, 2010 at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank. A 15 year military veteran; 5 time commander of the American Legion and member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Andy grew up in Rumson and spent most of his life fishing, crabbing, and clamming on the Navesink River. During his early childhood Andy worked as a dock hand at Paul's Boats in Rumson where his friends had given him the nickname of "Chowder" for his love for clamming. Andy also had a passion for stock car racing and could be found on any Saturday night in the stands at Wall Stadium watching the races. Andy's desire to race began to grow, and he decided to form his own team "Loose Nut's Clark Racing" and ventured into the demolition derby races at Wall stadium and went on to win the annual "Turkey Derby". Upon graduation from Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School Andy joined the United States Air Force as a Military Police Officer serving in Korea, Eastern Asia, and Europe. After completing his tour of duty in the Air Force, Andy re-enlisted in the United States Navy and had the privilege of serving on the USN New Jersey under the command of the late Captain Joseph Azzolina. Andy's passion for serving his country always remained strong and he went on to become an active member of the American Legion for over 25 years serving five terms as commander of the Highlands Twin Lights Post #143, as well as holding the post of Monmouth County Commander, and Monmouth County Chaplin. Andy was also an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Highlands Post #6902.
Andy is predeceased by his father, Theodore "Ted" Clark, and is survived by his wife, Mary Kavookjian Clark; his two children, Scott, and Brian; his mother, Doris; his brother, David and his wife Diane; his sister, Kathy and her husband George; his sister, Kerry; his nieces and nephews, Chrissie, Cindy, Diane, and T.J., and his two grandchildren.
Friends are invited to visit Andy's Memorial Gathering at John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank, on Wednesday, July 14 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. with a Service from the American Legion at 6pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Andy's memory to the VA New Jersey Health Care System, The Lyons Campus, 151 Knollcroft Road, Lyons N.J. 07939. Please visit Andrew H. Clark's memorial website available at www.johnedayfuneralhome.com