John Clarke

John Robert Clarke, formerly of Broomall, passed away on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016 at Sunrise of Newtown Square.



He was the son of John Robert, Sr. and Mildred (nee Gift) Clarke of Lewistown, PA.



At age 7, John suffered the loss of his father just before Christmas. His father had already hidden John's Christmas present- a Lionel train set, forever cherished by John.



John graduated from Lewistown High School, Gettysburg College and then went on to receive a Bachelor of Divinity from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. He was ordained following his graduation with a pastorate of three small rural Lutheran Churches near State College.



At one of the churches he met his wife, the former Marjorie Markle, daughter of Richard T. and Anne C. Markle of State College. At the end of his first year as a pastor, John and Marjorie were married and moved to Philadelphia.



John entered the University of Pennsylvania and graduated with a Master of Social Work degree. While attending Penn, he was employed at the Pennsylvania Prison Society. He continued at the prison society following graduation for 12 years.



John left the prison society to join the Adult Probation and Parole Department, Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia, and was an Associate Director. When he retired after 25 years, he was feted with a surprise luncheon and then a dinner where he was awarded citations recognizing his exemplary work performance and loyalty by Philadelphia government officials. John loved his job.



John has a beautiful baritone voice and was a member of choirs while attending school. He loved music and musical productions, especially Irish groups.



John was devoted to his wife and sons: Andrew, wife Sue and children Frank, James, and Jessica; Gregg, wife Kim, and sons Mason and Justin; and Brad, wife Sherri and son, Cody.



In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106.