Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
FUNERAL HOME
David Clarke Obituary
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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Clarke
3 Entries
Phil Rauch
January 14, 2023
David was one of the most decent people I had the privilege to meet in my entire 33 year career at LAS. Warm and approachable, his service to the LAS and its clients was a model for all employees of the Society. The world will miss David. My condolences go to his family.
Phil Rauch
January 14, 2023
David was kind, warm, thoughtful and interestingly intelligent. His service to the LAS was immense. I met him early in my days at LAS and his influence on me extended to my entire career. This kind and decent man will be greatly missed. I offer my condolences to his family.
Alan Gordon
January 13, 2023
To the Clarke family,
David was my supervisor for a few years at Legal Aid in Manhattan, and of great help when I was making the transition from trying misdemeanor to felonies. He was a warm, supportive and frequently funny man, and I remember him fondly. My condolences to all of you for his loss. Sincerely yours, Alan Gordon
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in David Clarke's name
Memorial Events
for David Clarke
Funeral services provided by:
L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home, Inc.1951 McGuffey Road, Youngstown, OH 44505
How to support David's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor David Clarke's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
