Brian Turner Clark

1958 - 2026

Brian Turner Clark
Brian Turner Clark, 67, of New Haven, CT, passed away on January 26, 2026, at the CT VA Hospital in West Haven, CT after valiantly fighting his heart and lung issues for over 20 years. Brian was an amazing son, brother, uncle, godfather, veteran, boxer, coach, mentor, and community advocate.
He was born in Danbury on October 23, 1958, son of Walter E. Clark III and Cynthia (Perkins) Clark. Brian grew up in Orange, CT and attended Amity Regional High School in Woodbridge CT. After high school, Brian joined the US Navy and proudly served his country for four years and later attended Central CT State University..
Brian's lasting legacy is his gym, Ring One Boxing, the state's oldest continuously operating boxing gym, which has served as a community institution for many years. Brian often used his own money to keep the gym running and support young fighters. To Brian and so many others, Ring One was more than just a gym; it was a true community cornerstone. He developed multiple national champions and outstanding fighters, including Chad Dawson and Tremaine Williams. Ring One operates as a non-profit, with a focus on helping the area youth develop not only in their sport, but in their lives and for their community. In 2018, Brian was inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.
Brian never had children of his own, but touched the lives of hundreds of children with his coaching and his gifts of giving to his community. Brian was known for buying bikes and giving them to youth in the New Haven area, who may not have the opportunity to purchase one for themselves. He also ran a free backpack and school supply event each year for area students. When remembering Brian, please remember the good things he did for the community and carry this on for him.
Brian is survived by his parents Walter E. Clark III of Orange, CT, and Cynthia P. Clark of Webster, MA. He also leaves his brother Walter (Beau) Clark IV and his wife Jen, his sister Christie Clark and her partner David Hagan. Brian's nieces and nephews John, Tim, Patrick (godson) and his partner Justyna , Mackenzie Deary, Sarah Curren and her husband Jamie, and Bob Thompson will miss him dearly. He is also survived by his Aunt Cherrie, his former wife Nephateria Miller, and his seven cousins. He was also a great-uncle to Remington and Francis Deary and Laurel and Lachlan Curren. His very best friends Jill Lohse (husband Mike) and Dale DiBenedetto will always hold Brian's memory close to their hearts.
Brian had a soft spot for his furry family members. Many years ago, Molson, his incredible golden retriever, was his constant companion. Molson would sit by the door of the health food store where Brian formerly worked and greet the customers while he waited for his person to complete his day. He leaves his two rottweilers, Musa and Sage, earthside.
Brian will always be remembered for his kindness, his youthful spirit, his coaching accomplishments, and being a kind and caring friend and family member. We couldn't have asked for a better person to be put on this earth. Brian will be missed by so many but he will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.
A Memorial Service will be on Saturday, February 7 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Cody White Funeral Home at 107 Broad St, Milford, CT 06460. Military Honors and Sharing of Memories will begin at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Haven PAL (Youth programs) at https://newhavenpal.com/donate/ in memory of Brian Clark. Please be sure to click one of the 2 Donate buttons. The QR code as of now is an old Venmo account.
To light a candle or leave a condolence in his memory, please visit www.CodyWhiteFuneralService.com