GREENBUSH – Ralph E. Clarke, beloved husband for 65 years to Katie (Ray) Clarke, passed away April 26, 2011, at home, after a short battle with cancer. He was born July 10, 1925, in New York City, the son of Mildred and Thomas Clarke.
He worked for 35 years for Lederle Laboratories, now Pfizer, in biological research, retiring as a supervisor. Ralph moved to Greenbush in 1979 from River Vale, N.J. He was one of the original and active member of the farmers market in Orono. He served during World War II with the 17th Airborne, Paratrooper Infantry, and was wounded during the Battle of the Bulge. One of Ralph’s greatest joys was his airborne reunion, held every year since 1947. He was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 3381 of Old Town. All who knew him will miss his wonderful sense of humor, which was with him until the end.
He is survived by his wife, Katie; son, Bruce Clarke of New Jersey; daughter, Janice Semp of Vermont; grandchildren, Tammy Colby of New Hampshire, Jeffrey Semp and Nicole Semp of California, Bruce Clarke Jr. of New York and Heather Rice of New York; and six great-grandchildren. He was also a grandfather figure to Larry Shirland of Greenbush.
At his request, there is no viewing. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.