Navy Veteran, Donald Clarke, of Jamestown, Passes at 82

Navy Veteran, Donald Clarke, of Jamestown, Passes at 82

Donald Clarke, 82, of Jamestown and Boynton Beach, FL, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 30, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family. 

He was the beloved husband and best friend of Lorraine “Layne” (Sylvia) Clarke.

A lifelong resident of Jamestown, he was a son of the late Richard “Dick” and Gertrude (Beanie) Clarke. He leaves his three children and their spouses, Erin Marsh and Chris Pedorella of Saunderstown, Whitney and Todd Marzano of Virginia Beach, VA, and Don and Tracey Clarke of Saunderstown; a sister, Marcia Wheeler of Virginia Beach, VA; nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many adoring nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Kathy Clifton, Suzanne, Richard, Bruce, and Spencer Clarke.

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Mr. Clarke was a US Navy Veteran. He worked as a lineman for Verizon for thirty-four years before retiring. Don spent his retirement enjoying every minute of his family and friends, yearly trips to Disney World with his grandchildren, with Epcot fireworks and multi-colored margaritas being his favorite, traveling to the Caribbean, and fixing anything and everything that needed fixing. 

We will miss his laughter, genuine smile, love of life, and calming easy-going nature. He was everything a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend should be. We are blessed to have shared all of these years with him. He leaves this world a better place than he entered it. We’ll miss you Don, Dad, and Pop.

His memorial service with Military Honors will be held in the upcoming weeks at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 87 Narragansett Avenue, Jamestown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to HopeHealth Rhode Island.  

To send sympathy gifts to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Clarke, please visit the tribute store.