JOHN CLARK

1927 - 2021

CLARK John Hunter Clark (Age 93) Peacefully entered into eternal rest on April 16, 2021 at his home in Washington, DC. His beloved wife, Ana, was at his side. John was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 6, 1927. Just before his high school graduation, John enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served during World War II. John graduated from Oberlin College, later receiving a Master's degree from Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School. Deciding on a life of public service, John began his professional career with the U.S. Pentagon, involving public information as well as liaison with the U.S. Congress. This was followed by work at the US Office of Management and Budget (OMB). John particularly valued work abroad, with US embassies and foreign leaders. While at OMB, John launched a second "career" as author, lyricist, and director of his own comedic adaptations of popular musicals of the day. His great humor shielded his ability to tweak the mighty, and became a trademark talent and a lifelong enjoyment. After OMB, John moved on to the Office of Economic Opportunity. Its' Community Action Program was John's central focus, working tirelessly with community leaders nationwide to design and implement cooper ative support efforts. John found the work challenging and rewarding, and, in many ways, ground-breaking for our country. Aware that the Office of Economic Opportunity could be endangered with a changing Administration and attracted by the mission of the National Endowment for the Arts, John joined this fledgling agency. As Special Assistant to Chairman Nancy Hanks, John plunged into yet another world of work. John had always been a lover of the arts in all their forms. His service at the National Endowment for the Arts was extraordinarily satisfying for him. He also met Ana Steele on the Arts Endowment's staff. John would later report "After an impetuous, whirlwind, six-year courtship, we got married." John and Ana were blessed by nearly 42 beautiful years together. John served as President of the Board of Potomac Plaza, the cooperative apartment that was his home. During these years, in his early 80s, John oversaw the complete renovation of the external facade, working equally closely with the workmen, the building's staff, and the residents. He is still remembered for his boundless care and endless hours of work each day toward its successful completion. John was loved by all who knew him. Always kind, intelligent, welcoming, talented, funny, and generous, John was a man of great goodness. John was preceded in death by his parents, both of his brothers and their wives, and his daughter Anne Elizabeth. In addition to his wife, John is survived by 13 nieces and nephews and 33 great-nieces and great-nephews. They were all among the greatest joys of his life. Mass of the Resurrection will be offered on Saturday, May 1st, at 3 p.m. at St. Stephen Martyr Catholic Church, corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 25th Street in Washington, DC, followed by a reception. Masks are required. In lieu of flowers, contributions in John H. Clark's memory may be made to SOME (So Others Might Eat) in Washington and to Classical WETA in Arlington, Virginia.In lieu of flowers, contributions in John H. Clark's memory may be made to SOME (So Others Might Eat) in Washington and to Classical WETA in Arlington, Virginia.