Richard Cunningham "Dick" Clark

Richard "Dick" Cunningham Clark of Park Ridge, Illinois, beloved husband of Judy, née Pape, passed away on December 24, 2025, on his 92nd birthday, surrounded by the love of his family. Dick was the loving father of Rick (Kathleen), David (Jessica), Chris (Keely), and Katie (James Kennedy), and adoring grandfather of Casey, Erin, Chloe, Maggie, Christopher, Shannon, Caroline, David, Charlotte, Nicholas and Sebastian.

Dick was born on Christmas Eve in 1933, a joyful occasion for his parents, Herbert and Florence Clark. Dick grew up in River Forest, Illinois, the youngest of six siblings. He was a graduate of St. Luke's and Fenwick High School. Dick attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating with honors in 1956 from the General Program of Liberal Studies (Great Books). His senior year, he was awarded the Dockweiler Medal for the outstanding thesis in Philosophy. He obtained his law degree from Notre Dame in 1959 and spent a year on the faculty of the Notre Dame Law School. He also served in the United States Army on two separate occasions.

Dick met Judy, the love of his life, in 1956. They were married on March 3, 1962, and shared a loving marriage for almost 64 years. Together they raised their four children. Dick was a devoted husband and father, always steady, kind, hardworking, strong in his faith, quick with a one-liner, and set a wonderful example for his family. His friends described him as a gentleman and a class act. Dick always had a positive outlook. When asked how he was doing, he invariably replied, "Couldn't be better."

In 1959, Dick joined the law firm of Clausen Miller Gorman Caffrey and Witous. He worked in corporate law as a trusted adviser and friend to his many clients. He had a successful practice spanning over 40 years. He was elected managing partner of Clausen Miller in the 1990s and retired in 2000.

Throughout his life, Dick was an active parishioner at Mary, Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church in Park Ridge. He served the parish in many capacities, including as president of the parish council, song leader, lector and eucharistic minister. Judy and he chaired the Angel fundraiser and participated in the annual variety show, the Chez Paree.

Dick was active in civic and community affairs in Park Ridge. He served on the school board for District 207 for several years. He was a member of the board of directors of Avenues to Independence. He also served on the board of the Park Ridge Youth Campus.

In their free time, Dick and Judy enjoyed tennis, golf, jazz, and time in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and Siesta Key, Florida. Dick was an excellent piano player, and he and Judy loved to hear live music. He was a loyal fan of Notre Dame football and of the Chicago Cubs. Most of all, he was a man devoted to his family who cherished time with his children and grandchildren.

Dick is survived by his loving wife, children, grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Irene, Florence, Herbert, Mary Jane and John.

Visitation will be on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Ryan-Parke Funeral Home, 120 S Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Noon, at Mary, Seat of Wisdom Church, 920 Granville Avenue, Park Ridge, IL 60068.

Interment to follow at All Saints Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleums, Des Plaines, IL.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Avenues to Independence, 515 Busse Highway, Park Ridge IL 60068 or the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60601

Funeral information please call (847) 823-1171 or visit ryan-parke.com