Peter Neil Clare

Peter Neil Clare passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025, in Washington, DC.
Peter was born on August 20, 1964, in Jamaica, West Indies. His family moved to Long Island, NY, where he graduated from Hempstead High School in 1981. Peter continued his education at the University of Pennsylvania (BA, History, 1985), followed by the Georgetown University Law Center (JD, 1988).
Peter's life in the District has been one of service to the community in which he chose to live: East of the River DC. He started his post-law school career at ARCH Development Corporation, from 1988 to 1994, rising to the level of vice-president. He then became Executive Director of East of the River Community Development Corporation from 1994 to 1997. Peter was also president of the Coalition of Non-Profit Housing Developers from 1996 to 1998.
Peter professionally pivoted to teaching from 1997 to 2000, as an adjunct professor and fellow at the Harrison Institute of the Georgetown University Law Center and at Howard Law School. Then from 2000-2005 he resumed working in the community as a consultant to HOPE VI community redevelopment projects.
In 2007, Peter created and launched College Tribe, a mentoring program for Black boys with a focus on STREAM education.
As a creative, he was co-founder of 8ROCK Cultural Arts Organization in the mid-1990's. Peter was a commissioner on the DC Commission for the Arts and Humanities from 1997 to 1999. He was also on the Board of Directors of DC Writers Corps from 1997 to 1999. Peter recently wrote articles on culture, politics, and social justice on Substack.
As a volunteer, Peter was a tutor and coach at elementary schools through the years. Recently, Peter volunteered for EOR Mutual Aid, Ward 7 Free DC, and as a board officer for the Eastland Gardens Civic Association.
As a person, he strived to be the most caring son to his late mother, Avis; a loving and supportive partner to Michelle Bonner; and the World's Best Dad to Zac Clare. In addition to Zac and Michelle, he also leaves behind his brother, Rod Clare; Zac's mom Lett; his sisters-in love Karla, Marsha, Kristy (Patrick), and Myra; nieces Rianne and Georgia, and nephew Malik; best friends Solomon, Judy, and many others close to his heart.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Peter Clare on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Anacostia Busboys and Poets, 2004 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington DC, DC 20020.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to
collegetribedc.org