PO3/UT3
Robert William Clarke
loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather
OLEAN — Robert William Clarke, of Olean, passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at home, surrounded by his loving family.
Robert was born in Olean, on November 17, 1931, he was the son of the late William and Mary (Hadley) Clarke. On August 11, 1956 at St. John’s Church in Olean, he married the former Dina Marie Perugini. She predeceased him on July 23, 2019.
Robert was a 1949 graduate of Olean High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy in February of 1951, serving four years, discharged in February 1955. He was an elite Seabee, serving in duty stations in Guam, Philippines and Chichi Jima during the Korean War. Robert was a member of the American Legion, and had a lifetime membership in the Navy Seabee Veterans of America. In 1958, he joined the family business William Clarke and Son’s in Olean, as a plumbing contractor, retiring in 1999.
Robert is survived by his children, Valarie Siago of Dickinson, TX., Paula (Mel) Faulkner of Olean, Anthony (Laura) Clarke of Bradford, PA., Patrice (Pete) Sherwin of Wilmington, DE., and Matthew (Michelle) Clarke of Painsville, OH.: 14 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and a sister-in-law Anne Cashimere-Clarke.
He was predeceased by his wife, Dina; his parents, William and Mary; brothers, Gerald and Charles Clarke; and son-in-law, Phil Siago.
Family will receive friends on Friday, September 27, 2024 from 9 – 10 am at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Olean, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:00 am. Burial to follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Full military honors will be accorded by the Allegany American Legion.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St, Olean.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com
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