Peter D. Clark

Peter D. Clark, retired New York maritime attorney, passed away suddenly on July 6, 2025, following a brief illness. He was a long-time resident of Harding Township, New Jersey. In 2020, he relocated to Lords Valley, Pennsylvania.



Peter was born in Newton, Massachusetts in 1942. He graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1967. He sailed for seven years on U.S. flag vessels and was a licensed chief engineer. He graduated from St. John's University School of Law in 1975 and earned a master's degree in international law from New York University in 1981. He was admitted to the courts of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the District of Columbia, along with the United States Supreme Court and the United States Court of International Trade. He co-founded the law firm of Clark, Atcheson and Reisert in 1992, and served as Senior Partner until his retirement in 2018. Peter's areas of specialty included maritime casualties, vessel oil spills, environmental law, ship repair disputes, marine insurance and charter party arbitrations. From 1989-1997, he authored the column "Sea Law" for the Journal of Commerce, wherein he provided legal information to the maritime community. He also served as a mediator and arbitrator for the Superior Court of New Jersey and as an arbitrator for the Society of Maritime Arbitrators.



Peter was a past chairman of the Admiralty and Maritime Committee, Commercial and Federal Litigation Section of the New York State Bar Association. He was a former president of the New York Kings Point Alumni Association and the Propeller Club of New York. His many professional memberships included the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, the Society of Port Engineers, the Institute of Marine Engineers, the Maritime Law Association of the United States, the Connecticut Maritime Association and the Marine Society of New York.



Peter traveled extensively, for both business and pleasure, and formed bonds and friendships throughout the world. He was admired for his work ethic and professionalism. He will be remembered for his love of the law, his affable nature, his humility and his devotion to family.



He enjoyed many years of entertaining and socializing with family and friends at his former lake home in the Poconos. He was an avid swimmer, fisherman and ice hockey enthusiast. His favorite pastimes included attending New Jersey Devils games with his son and taking long walks with his loyal German Shepherd, Logan, at his side.



Peter leaves behind his beloved wife, Susan; his cherished son and daughter-in-law, Christian and Connie Clark; his sister, Cheryl Anzaldi; his brothers, Robert Clark and David Clark; and several nieces and nephews.

A private service for the family will be handled by the Hessling Murray Funeral Home in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Donations in honor of Peter can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.