Gary Clark

Gary Evan Clark

April 9, 1955 – September 12, 2025

Gary Evan Clark, 70, of Jonestown, Texas (formerly Ridgefield, Connecticut) passed away peacefully but unexpectedly on September 12th, 2025, surrounded by his family after an evening of tapping his foot to the music.

Born in Rochester, New York on April 9th, 1955, Gary was the eldest son of Ned and Mary Lou Clark. He grew up there with his siblings: Greg, Karen, and Kim. Raised Catholic, his faith was part of his early life, though his legacy is defined by his values of hard work, honesty, and love for family. Summers were spent boating at the Thousand Islands, a tradition started by his parents which he carried on with his kids. He went on to earn a degree in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University and later an MBA from Syracuse University.

He shared almost 40 years of marriage with Ann; took deep pride in being a father to Cory, Skyler, and Ross; and lit up every time he talked about his grandchildren, Henry and Aurora. As an Eagle Scout himself, he started a pack for his sons and served as Scout Master, passing down his values of leadership, integrity, and perseverance. He was most proud of his family and loved to tell stories about their adventures and accomplishments.

Gary's life was powered by passion - for building things, learning things, tasting things, and making the world around him just a little better. Whether he was flying planes, perfecting a smoked salmon, camping under the stars, or setting up a reef tank so elaborate it could've belonged in a museum; he chased every interest with curiosity and care.

He could never resist an adventure. From fast cars, to motorcycles, to boats and planes; if it was possible to master something he would try. He skied mountains worldwide - sometimes by jumping out of helicopters - and challenged himself to scuba dive into deep water and tight caves. He was daring, fearless, and quick-thinking. Even when his boat, the Skinny Dipper, tore open on a shoal, he didn't panic - he gunned it straight up a loading ramp to save it from sinking.

He held so many jobs over the years that even those who knew him for decades were still discovering new ones - from countless summer gigs and factory shifts to corporate roles at Smith Corona and Pitney Bowes. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch Odyssey Air Flight Club and later Clark Construction of Ridgefield, Inc., where his hands-on style and high standards shaped more than just structures, they shaped people.

He was equal parts critical and encouraging, always pushing others to do better while holding himself to the same high standards. He loved to cook for others and was known as the life of the party - quick to smile, eager to challenge others to do their best, and always ready with a toast (even though it got him choked up every single time). He built friendships wherever he went, carried an impressive mustache, and has left behind stories as legendary as his laughter.

Gary is survived by his wife, Ann Moseley, and former wife, Laurie Karr (the loves of his life); his children Cory Clark (with Ashley Clark), Skyler Clark (with Allison Fabrizio), and Ross Clark (with Brandy Butcher); his grandchildren, Henry and Aurora; and his siblings, Greg Clark, Karen Johnson-Luciano, and Kim Kelso; as well as his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ned and Mary Lou Clark.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held at the Thousand Islands on October 12th. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Gary's spirit by sharing a story, raising a glass, or doing something you're proud of - just as he would have wanted.

Please visit garyevanclark.com to share your own stories and photos of Gary.