David Carlyle Clarke

David Carlyle Clarke was born and raised Youngstown, Ohio Oct 20, 1951 to his mother Cora Jane Clarke and father William Clarke. He transitioned to eternal rest on November 13, 2022. He was a 1969 graduate of North High School; a graduate of Yale University in 1972 and earned his juris doctorate law degree in 1976 from Columbia Law School. Before heading to college, he worked in the steel industry alongside his father and brother Steven. David was part of the first generation of black men to attend and receive a Doctorate law degree at Columbia Law School.. After which he spent 50 years helping thousands of defendants in court at the New York Legal Aid Society as a defense attorney. David matriculated, becoming a night court judge for over 10 years in the Bronx, NY area. He is survived by his wife Sheena Louis Clarke, who he married in 1972; his three children Malik, Kevin and Jeremy Clarke and five grandchildren Maolik, Arione, Alexander, Precis and Prince; his brother, Stephen Clarke; his aunt, Mary Jane Tolliver; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. David is remembered for his love of history. He spent his free time learning about different cultures, ancient and modern. His passion for collecting lasted his whole life: He collected models, books, movies and toys that enriched the lives of his children and his grandchildren. During his life he published two books in concert with his friends online. He was a philosopher. He will be most missed by those who had the opportunity to sit and talk with him. As an avid fan of science fiction, film and literature he was a man who could say everything he needed to in few words. His impact as a role model in the Clarke family and those that met him cannot be understated. He was a thoughtful, considerate, and kind man who will be deeply missed by his family and those that loved him. Services were held on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at Bibleland C.O.G.I.C. Ministry of comfort, love and dignity entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Carlyle Clarke, please visit our floral store.