Richard A. Clark, Sr.

BARRE – Richard A. Clark, Sr., 76, of Ford Street and a former Williamstown resident, passed quietly on Tuesday, June 9, 2015, at his home.
Born on April 6, 1939 in Williamstown, he was the son of Lewis William and Gertrude (Demars) Clark and as an infant was raised by Clarence and Elma Clark. He attended Burlington schools and at the age of 17 joined the U.S. Navy, serving for six years from 1956 to 1962 where he travelled to Holland, Scotland, France, Alaska and Rio De Janeiro.
In 1958, Richard married Ruth M. Irons in Bayside, VA. They made their home in Williamstown for 52 years and later divorced.
Richard started his working career as a heavy equipment operator for the Barre City Street Department. Later, he was employed as a heavy equipment operator by Duranleau Construction. After suffering a brain aneurism, he became self-employed as a general handyman. Most recently, he did deliveries for Bond Auto Parts for nearly 20 years.
He was a past member of the Websterville Baptist Church and a current member of the Crossroads Christian Church, participating in men’s breakfasts with both churches. Richard loved to go yard saleing and buying things that he did not need, riding back roads, and loved to go out to eat. Richard appreciated everyone, loved to laugh, and enjoyed teasing people. In his younger years, he was an avid swimmer.
Survivors include his ex-wife, Ruth M. Irons of Williamstown; his daughters, Tammy Clark of Williamstown, Lorinda Stone of Websterville, Katrina Daniels and her husband, Leslie of Barre, Paula Frances Clark of Williamstown, his son Richard Clark, Jr. and his wife, Paula Jean Clark of Williamstown; and Debbie Cochrane and her husband, Michael of Florida; his grandchildren, Reuben and Bridget Stone, Kyle and Ryan Marquez, Keith and Alona Clark, Logan and Lauren Clark, Brian Harvey, and Jenna Eastman; his great-grandchildren, Claressa Sweet, Megan Harvey, Ethan Harvey, Zachary Robert, Michael Avery O’Connell, and Meelena Hyde; his stepsister, Marylou Perron and her husband, Winston, and his stepbrother, Donald Clark, and his wife, Brenda. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Brodie.
He was predeceased by his parents; his adopted mother, Elma Clark; his youngest daughter, Andrea C. Clark; his stepdaughter, Bernice Johnson; his brother, Robert Clark; his sister Margret Herman, and his niece, Bonnie Houde.
His graveside service will be held at the East Hill Cemetery in Williamstown on Monday, June 15, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. Family and friends may call at the Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home on Sunday, June 14, 2015, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.