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Gary Clarke Obituary
TOWNSEND -- Gary W. Clarke, 54, of Townsend, died unexpectedly on Friday, November 17, 2017 in the Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer.
He was born in Waltham on October 16, 1963 a son of the late Gordon Clarke and grew up in Billerica. He graduated from Billerica High School in 1981 and shortly thereafter joined the U.S. Army where he served on active duty until his honorable discharge in 1983 and continued his service in the MA Army National Guard until his honorable discharge in 1986.
Gary was currently working as a Campus Security Officer at the Groton School. Prior to that he worked as a Corrections Officer at M.C.I. Concord and M.C.I. Shirley from 1986 until his retirement in 2006.
He was an avid hunter, reader and enjoyed woodworking. He also enjoyed collecting coins and other precious metals as well as watching movies. Gary was a member of the Townsend Congregational Parish and has lived in Townsend since 1991.
Gary is predeceased by a son, Daniel G. Clarke, who died in 2014. He leaves behind Kathryn A. (Penney) Clarke of Townsend; a son, Eric G. Clarke of Townsend; a daughter, Paige K. Clarke of Townsend; his mother, Edna (Chisholm) Clarke of Londonderry, NH; two brothers, Gordon "Weade" Clarke, Jr. of Londonderry, NH and Greg Clarke and his wife Kari of Tyngsboro; two sisters, Gayle McNamara and her husband Daniel of Lowell and Ginger LeClair and her husband Paul of Scarborough, ME; and nieces and nephew; Marin and Mark, Nicole, and Jesse and Jake.
CLARKE -- Gary's funeral will be held on Friday, November 24, at 12:00 PM in the Townsend Congregational Church, 3 Brookline St. Townsend. Burial with military honors will follow in the Hillside Cemetery in Townsend. Calling hours will be held in the Church prior to the funeral on Friday morning from 10 AM to 12 PM.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to either the American Red Cross or the Wounded Warrior Project.
The T.J. Anderson & Son Funeral Home, 250 Main St., Townsend is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements. www.andersonfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Clarke
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5 Entries
Bob Stine
March 29, 2018
I just learned of this very sad news. Gary and I did not stay in touch after we left the Army; I wish we had. Gary and I were roommates in the barracks at Handorf, Germany back in '82-'83. He was smart, funny, and a natural leader. I've often though of the good times we had over there. My deepest condolences to Gary's family.
Michael Button
November 26, 2017
Gary and I spent a long time together in a very dark place but I could always count on his quick smile and his deep laugh to make things so much brighter.My heartfelt condolences and prayers for Gary's family and many friends.A good man gone too soon. Rest in peace my brother,I will see you when we walk those golden streets together. Love Mike Button
Colleen Davieau
November 21, 2017
So sorry for the loss of Gary. I had known him from Groton School security. Always a smile & positive words for me. Will miss him so much. Prayer's & Thought's are with family & friends @ this difficult time. Will miss seeing him on campus. My sincere sympathies to you all.
November 21, 2017
Gayle and family. I was so sorry to learn of your brothers passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficultt and sad time.
Sincerely, Jackie McLeod
November 21, 2017
My thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there is a hope for our love ones lost in death can be reassuring.*
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Anderson Funeral Home - Townsend250 Main Street - Route 119, Townsend, MA 01469
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