William W. "Luke" Clark

HERKIMER-William Walter Clark ("Luke") passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning April 4, 2023, in St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Utica. He had the support and comfort of his loving family at his side. A lifelong Herkimer resident, he was born on February 27, 1936 in Herkimer, son of the late Sidney and Florence P. (Davis) Clark. Luke was a graduate of Herkimer High School where he excelled in Basketball, Track and Pole Vaulting. On December 18, 1956, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as an Aircraft Mechanic. He was honorably discharged on June 30, 1960 attaining the rank of Airman Second class. For twenty years, Mr. Clark worked as an Electronics Repairer for Mohawk Data Sciences. He retired in 2000. To stay active after his retirement he worked as ahandyman and for fifteen years at Gaffey's Car Wash. All who knew him will never forget that he was a kind, caring and gentleman with a good sense humor. Luke had a strong belief in God and was a member of the First United Methodist Church Herkimer/Little Falls. He was also a member of Tony R. George Post Herkimer, Cold Brook American Legion and a lifelongmember of both the Herkimer Polish Community Home and the East Herkimer Fish and Game Club. Luke held the title of President of the East Herkimer Fish and Game Club for many years. He was also a patron of the Herkimer VFW Post#4915 and the Herkimer American Legion Post #38. Luke enjoyed fishing, camping, painting, music, playing pool and socializing. He was a man of few words, but he knew everyone, was beloved by all and will be greatly missed.
Surviving him are two sons, William T. Clark, Sidney M. Clark and his wife Penny all of Herkimer, a daughter Allyson Reilly and her husband Patrick of Mars, PA, six cherished grandchildren, Matthew Clark, Alyssa Chrisman, Jessica Gunning, Chase Wright, Ella Reilly and Sienna Reilly, four great grandchildren, Lucas Gunning, Aurora Gunning, Jordan Chrisman and Lilah Chrisman, long time devoted companionDonna Zaffarano, several nieces, nephews and cousins, special extended members of the Spina, Zaffarano and Santalucia families, and his beloved dog "Charlie". Besides his parents he is preceded in death by three sisters, Janet Chrisman, JohannPenney and Carolyn Hall.
Calling hours for Mr. Clark will be on Wednesday, May 3rd from 4:00 until 7:00 pm at Fenner Funeral Home, Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer. A funeral service will follow immediately after the calling hours in the funeral home with the Reverend Joelle Faulks, pastor of the First United Methodist Church Herkimer/Little Falls officiating. Interment will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery. A private family service with military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force. There will be a celebration of life gathering on May 4th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the East Herkimer Fish and Game Club. Luke's family would like to extend an invitation to all family and friends to gather and reminisce and share memories during this celebration. All are welcome to attend