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Michael Clarke Obituary
Lt. Commander (Commander Select) Michael George Clarke, U.S. Navy, 37, husband of Rebecca Miller-Clarke and father of their three young children died suddenly on Wednesday, December 28, 2011, in Beaufort Memorial Hospital, Beaufort, SC. Michael was an honors graduate of Emmaus High School in Emmaus, PA, and an honors graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences School of Medicine in Bethesda, MD. He was a Naval Flight Surgeon and a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon stationed at the United States Naval Hospital in Beaufort, SC. He is the son of Patricia and Leo George Clarke, III, and the brother of Jennifer Clarke-Sirignano. Services: His funeral mass was held on Wednesday, January 4, 2012, at St. Peters Catholic Church in Beaufort, SC. His burial/interment will be held at a later date at either the U.S. Naval Academy or Arlington National Cemetery. Contributions: The family suggests that donations be made to the USO (United Service Organizations), P. O. Box 96322, Washington, DC 20090-6322 or www.uso.org/donate or to a scholarship fund for the children. Anderson Funeral Home, Beaufort, SC, is serving the family.
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Clarke
Sponsored by anonymous.
MGH Sports Medicine
December 28, 2012
Dear Becca, Maura, Abigail, and William,
It has been a year since we lost Michael, but all of us at Mass General Orthopaedics remember him and the manner in which he touched our lives.
He was an energetic, idealistic, and skilled physician who took great care of patients as well as the athletes on the Curry College campus.
He enjoyed the bonding with fellowship faculty and co-fellows, whether it be on the sidelines for Patriots football games or in the operating room.
Everyone respected him because he took so much pride in serving our country as a Lt. Commander in the Navy.
Most notable was his devotion and love for his family. He always talked about you, Becca, and you too, Maura, Abigail, and William. You are right to be proud of your husband and father, as we are of our fellowship alumnus and brother.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, in rememberance of Michael.
On behalf of everyone at MGH Sports Medicine,
Luke S. Oh, MD
Eric Hofmeister
January 31, 2012
On behalf of the entire Naval Orthopaedic Community, I would like to express our deepest sympathy to Becca and the entire Clarke family and friends. Michael was a great resident, great Orthopedic Surgeon, and a great Naval Officer. He will be missed!
Our deepest sympathy,
Eric
Joseph Carney
January 25, 2012
Dear Becca and Family,
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you personally and on behalf of the Balboa Orthopaedic Community. Mike was an extraordinary person and touched the lives of so many people here. It is a privilege to have Mike as alumni of the Balboa Residency Program and we are lucky to be able to call him one of our own. Your Balboa Ortho Family will remain ready to help you and the family in any way possible during this difficult time and throughout the future. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Joe Carney
January 17, 2012
Words can never express what a loss this is. I have nothing but wonderful and funny memories of Michael and Jennifer since I've had the honor of sharing a friendship with both. Michael was full of life, sincere, generous, and a lot of fun to be around. My thoughts, prayers, and memories are with Mr. and Mrs. Clarke, Becca and family, and Jennifer and family. May his memories live on in all of us. Much love. Julie Harbrant Turner
victoria Gwin-Baughman
January 15, 2012
sorry about your loss i am just the one that sits with Cute Abigail and cute Maura I just sat down missing them when thay were not in school but wheni sat down that one day that huged me and klimbin my lap it was so cute
Chris and Ashley (Kline) Handwerk
January 14, 2012
We both knew Mike independently - Ashley from high school, Chris from college. Although we hadn't seen Mike in more than 15 years, we were deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Our deepest sympathies to your family as you cope with your loss. Mike was a good friend to all, and brought lots of energy to whatever situation he was in. He was talented across many facets of life: sports, academics, medicine, and leadership. While he was taken too soon, take solace in the fact that he was able to make a lasting positive mark on those who knew him.
Shannon Vlaeminck
January 12, 2012
Jen and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Michael. Although it has been many years since our swim team days, thinking about him and those days still bring a smile to my face. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and pray that God will bless and guide you through it.
Kristen Shriver
January 12, 2012
Jen and Family,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Joe Trpcic
January 10, 2012
Rebecca, you don't know me but you do know my wife Nora who works in the St Peter cafeteria and my daughter Olivia who was your daughter's companion at the Christmas celebration.
I saw your daughters today when I was volunteering in the lunch room. Both so beautiful and fortunately so innocent to the tragedy. I cannot stop thinking about you all since I had heard. It is very sad and I am sure feels very unfair. Certainly something we all pray won't happen to us. I don't know how you feel but I have witnessed the pain of my parents and nieces & nephews during the loss of my two sisters, one the week before Christmas.
I know your faith means a lot to you and it will be what will get you through this the best you can. Pray often and listen even more. We are all fortunate to have our faith and to have the community of St Peter Church and school. There are a lot of very caring people praying for you and willing to help in any way they can…including me and my family. Please do not hesitate to call upon us; we would be honored to help. You and your children will be in our hearts and in our payers.
Michael;
May the angels lead you into paradise,
May the martyrs receive you at your coming
And bring you into the holy city, into Jerusalem,
May a choir of angels welcome you;
And there, where Lazarus is poor no longer
May you have eternal rest.
Joe Trpcic
Dan Moloney
January 9, 2012
So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was a very witty and kind man. Liked by all who knew him.
Pam Webber
January 8, 2012
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Clarke and Jennifer,
I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you all during this sad time. Although it has been many years since I had last seen Michael, I remember him quite fondly from our childhood years growing up in the neighborhood.
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Pam Webber
Michael and Adrienne Ferrell
January 7, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kenneth Anselmo
January 6, 2012
Dear Pat, Beau and Family,
There are no words to express the sadness and sense of loss we felt in Michael's passing. “The tears streamed down and I let them flow as freely as they would, making of them a pillow for my heart. On them it rested.” Our hearts and prayers reach out to you.
There is no answer as to why Michael was taken from us so terribly soon. Sadly, however, his loss has been thrust upon us. Amidst the slings and arrows of outrageous misfortune this tragedy has been the unkindest cut of all. If life had instant re-play I think we would all demand a review. But life isn't like that. I do not know the overall plan and I don't question God's Wisdom or Love but I am not happy with the ruling on the field. My heart grieves deeply. I shall look for redress in the eternity of our immortality. Yes, Life MUST BE the childhood of our immortality.
Michael was a whirlwind. When he entered a room he was like a torchlight parade: bursting with light, life, exuberance and always with determination, resolutions and a plan! Michael knew who he was, where he was going and he had the willpower and the intelligence to achieve his goals: athlete, honors graduate, surgeon, pilot and, above all, a loving husband and a caring and nurturing father to three beautiful children. Comfortable in his own skin, Michael's life was the stuff that dreams are made on.
Michael was an inspiration and I admired him greatly. He lived his life with a childlike innocence: honest, bold, confident and thoughtful. He gave joy and he found joy in all he did. We must pass the gift of his life on to those we love, to those that need us. In this way we remain faithful to his memory.
Be well and walk in peace. May all your days be blessed with the comfort of family and friends and with the presence of an angel watching over you.
Ken & Gail Anselmo
January 6, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss, please accept our deepest sympathies.
The Merk Family
January 6, 2012
Dear Pat and family, we are so very sorry to hear about your son.
May God be with you and your family in this time of sorrow. Becky Berkenstock and family
Judi Eng
January 6, 2012
Dear Rebecca, You have not met me but I have heard alot about you and your family. Mike spoke constantly about you and your children while he was at MGH. Michael was great to work with, such a nice guy who did well in his sports fellowship. Know that his nursing colleagues at MGH are saddened to hear of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Steph & Stan Smith
January 6, 2012
Please accept our deepest sympathies. Thoughts and prayers are with Mike's family.
Bob Kuhns
January 6, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, we'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Tamiya D
January 5, 2012
Clark family and friends my deepest sympathy go out to you all. May the God of comfort prove to be so at this critical time. My prayers go out to you all.
Arlene Lund
January 5, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families.
Arlene Lund
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
January 5, 2012
I am so sorry to hear about Michael. I remember him well from many years of swimming with him and Jennifer in high school and EMAC. My family's thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Alison Black (Clarke - unrelated, but as Michael and I would joke, we were worthy of the "E")
Janet Burn
January 5, 2012
Dear Rebecca,
We were so shocked and sorry to hear about your sudden loss. Our love and hugs go out to you and your beautiful children, in whom Michael lives on.
So glad that your parents and brother Tim are there to love and support you at this painful time.
Our sympathies also go out to Michael's parents and sister for their loss.
With love across the miles from Ottawa,
Audrey, Ken, Jani and Chris
MARGO AND JOE STULACK
January 5, 2012
DEAREST CLARKE FAMILY,
WE WATCHED MICHAEL GROW UP ALONG WITH HIS AMAZING EMMAUS CLASS OF 1992. WE UNDERSTAND THE LOVE AND PRIDE YOU HAVE FELT FOR HIM. WHEN THAT TURNS TO GRIEF IT IS HARD TO UNDERSTAND. WHEN ATTENDING MASS AT ST.THOMAS CHURCH THE LOVE OF YOUR FAMILY COULD BE FELT. REBECCA, PAT,LEO,JENNIFER, AND THE ENTIRE FAMILY, WE SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF.
David Keblish
January 5, 2012
From the Navy Orthopedic Family to Mike's entire family - our deepest sympathies. "The man was a good doctor and the doctor was a good man." You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Michael Seip
January 5, 2012
To Michael's family, very sorry to hear about Michael, all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Many great memories of Michael during his years at Emmaus High School and EMAC, in the pool. He always had a way of making you smile!
January 4, 2012
Dear Rebecca - We were all so shocked and saddened to hear of Michael's sudden passing. It feels like yesterday, Madalaine and I attended your wedding. Our hearts go out to you and your beautiful girls, and sweet William. May the knowledge that those at a distance are holding you close and are sending you love and strength, bring you some comfort in your sorrow. We send condolences to Michael's family as well and to your Mum & Dad and Tim. Holly, Steve, Connor & Madalaine Crain, Mountain View, CA
Patrick Carter
January 4, 2012
Michael was the type of guy that made everyone around him better. To think I spent nearly three hours a day with him in the pool for more than 4 years plus all of the classes we had together. Michael will be missed by all. My condolences. Michael and family-you are in my thoughts today and forever,
Patrick Carter
January 4, 2012
I feel fortunate to have known Michael. To think we spent nearly 3 hours a day together in the pool between morning and afternoon practices for several years. Michael was a friend, teammate and compatriot. Michael made those around him better and he will be missed by all. My thoughts are with Michael's family at this difficult time and forever.
Mike Seip
January 4, 2012
To Michael's family, very sorry to hear about Michael, all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Many found memories of Michael during his years at Emmaus High School and EMAC, in the pool. He always had a way of making you smile!
Lisa Sheldon
January 4, 2012
Michael was in a ton of my classes in high school--I can still hear his laugh. And hear him talking about his family. And how he loved life in general. I am stunned. My prayers and thoughts are with his family. Lisa Sheldon (Stevens)
David and Kathryn Schroder
January 3, 2012
Dear Becca, Kathryn and I have you and your family in our hearts and prayers. No words can express...Seems like yesterday we were all in training in San Diego and seeing Mike up at the Maine review course in 2008...
Kevin and Natasha Hurst
January 1, 2012
Dear Rebecca,
We are so saddened to hear of Michael's passing. You and the children are in our thoughts during this time of grieving.
We have fond memories of Michael, meeting him on your trip to Nova Scotia a few years ago, he was a fine man, and will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.
Hugs to Maura, Abigail, William and yourself, as well to Aunt Donna, Uncle Bill, we are so glad they are able to be with you during this time. Hugs to Tim, as this will be hard on him also.
Our sympathy to Michael's family on the loss of thier son.
Although we are not able to attend the funeral on Wednesday, know that we will be thinking of you and your family. We send our love to each of you.
Love, hugs and kisses,
Kevin, Natasha and Emerson.
Col & Mrs. Scott O'Meara
January 1, 2012
Dear Sweet Becca,
Our hearts hurt so for you and the children. There are no words to adequately express how sorry we are for your loss of your beloved Michael. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Maura, Abigail and little William, your family and Michael's parents and sister. Our treasured memories of all of the times we spent with Michael will keep him in our hearts forever. Military families are for forever, no matter the distance. We are here to help you any way we can.
Love you, Beautiful Lady...see you Wednesday.
Scooter and Angela
Linda/Tommy Hurst/Frellick
January 1, 2012
Dearest Rebecca,
Our love is with you - you and the children are in our thoughts every day and every night. Memories are so precious, hugs for Maura, Abigail, William and yourself.
Loving thoughts to Donna and Bill, so glad they can be there to give love,support and encouragement for the days ahead. We also think of Tim with love and know this loss is hard on him too.
Our sympathy goes out to Michael's Mom, Dad and sister. A very sad and trying time for all.
We will be thinking of the family on Wednesday, January 4th. Our love will reach from Nova Scotia and wrap its warmth around every member of the family.
Love, hugs and kisses,
Tommy and Linda.
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