Paul Clarke

Paul Joseph Clarke was born to Walter and Mary Clarke September 15, 1937 in Washington, DC. Raised in northeast DC, he attended St. Anthony's grade school, John Carroll High School and went on to Catholic University of America where he graduated in 1964 with a degree in Architecture. Prior to establishing his own firm in 1977, Paul was an associate with Edwin F. Ball AIA and Associates followed by a position as Vice President in charge of Architecture at the firm of Greenhorne & O'Mara Inc. In 1982 Paul became a founding principal of Colimore/Clarke Associates, with offices in Baltimore and Annapolis. Paul was an active member of the AIA, including service as Vice-President and Director of the Potomac Valley Chapter AIA. He also served as Vice-President of the Maryland Society of Architects; member of AIA Committee on Arts and Recreations; Advisor to Upper Marlboro Development Committee; Editor of the Potomac Valley Architect. In his career spanning over 30 years, Paul's many projects included schools, colleges/universities, public buildings, recreational facilities, hotels, churches and multi-family housing. Listed below are some of the local examples of Paul's work. Chesapeake College, Performing Arts Center; St. Mary's High School Gymnasium Addition/Renovations; St. Mary's Elementary School Physical Education/Arts Building; St. Andrew by the Bay Multi-purpose facility; and St. John Neumann Church. Designing a church was, to Paul, the pinnacle of his architectural career. His dream was realized with the construction of St. John Neumann in 2000. Paul and the entire Clarke family had been active members of St. Mary's Parish since moving to Annapolis in 1978. Adding to the legacy of St. Mary's Parish through the design and construction of the mission church was a true honor for him. In 1960 Paul married Mary Lawrence and established a home in Lanham Maryland. In thirteen short years they were blessed with eleven children. And because of their shared love of water they decided to relocate the family to Annapolis, Maryland in 1978. The family moved into another of Paul's designs, affectionately known as "1708". The seven-bedroom house was tucked into the woods of the Downs on the Severn. The house became a hub of activity for the kids while Paul and Mary Jo played host to neighbors and friends at countless parties and small "groups" on the deck. Paul was happiest when surrounded by his children and grandchildren, most of whom inherited his unique sense of humor. Paul loved to spend time on the water. As Captain of the Queen Mary aka SS Never Sail, many sunny weekends were spent on the Severn River or destinations like St. Michaels and Baltimore's Inner Harbor. When he could find the time he also loved to golf. He spent many idyllic hours on the greens of Prospect Bay Golf Club. His wife Mary's advice was always, "Hit it long, hit it straight and hit it hard." He could often be quoted as saying "two out of three ain't bad." As a Dad to eleven, he had children in every grade from St. Mary's Elementary through St. Mary's High School. He could often be heard yelling, "Have a pleasant educational experience," as he sped down Duke of Gloucester Street. In 1991 he delivered the Commencement Address for the St. Mary's High School when his two youngest graduated. He began his speech with "It's 75 and sunny in Ocean City, I won't keep you long." And so it is in that spirit that I make the effort to keep our comments brief but know his life could fill volumes. He is preceded in death by three children, Megan Kolb (Brant), Erin Raleigh (Ted) and Bridget Easton (Billy). He is survived by his wife Mary and eight children; Brian Clarke (Debbie) of Beltsville MD, Christopher Clarke of Severn MD, Kathleen Ruttum (Dane) of Annapolis MD, Stephen Clarke of Annapolis MD, Susan Clarke of Annapolis MD, Julie Finnegan (Charlie) of Ruxton MD, Shannon Clarke Barron (John) of Annapolis MD, Sharon Clarke Harvey (Nathen) of Annapolis, MD. He is also survived by 23 grandchildren, Joe, Sean, Michael, PJ, Andrew, Mary, John, Delia, Michael, Caleb, Chelsea, Molly, Peter, Jack, Nora, William, Walter, Stephen, Jane, Megan, Paul, James, and Shannon; and 6 great-grandchildren great grandchildren, AJ, Chloe, Natalie, Jake, Aeryn and Riley. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Neumann Church, 620 N. Bestgate Road Annapolis, Maryland Thursday September 11, 2014 at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers and because of Paul's commitment to Catholic education please send donations to the St. Mary's Tuition Fund. Arrangements by John M. Taylor Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made to www.johnmtaylorfuneralhome.com