Who We Are: John Henry Clark Jr 1933-2006

John Henry Clark Jr

26 Oct 1933-16 Nov 2006

First born son of John and Ethel Clark, the eldest of six, 3 boys and 3 girls.

This is my fav pic of my Dad (on the right) and his brother Robert

Back row: Raymond, Robert and Geraldine
Bottom: Dad holding Patricia

My dad told us the story of having an alligator when he was younger and keeping it in the bathtub. That is until the day PopPop went to take a bath not knowing the gator was there. In short Dad was told the gator had to go and he gave it to the Philadelphia Zoo. You know we all hear the stories and wonder if they are true or embellished to entertain us.

I found this in some papers

He was in the Navy and served on the USS Toledo.

There is a sketch of him in uniform with his curly hair visible but unfortunately it has been lost we believe somewhere in Bremerton,Washington, along with some photo albums. He always kept it in a red cylinder tube.

He married Rose Anna Rataj 24 March 1956. I am the second born. There is Roseanne, myself, John III, Joseph and Barbara. My parents divorced and he had custody of myself and my younger siblings.

That's my Dad, me and my Mom at my Aunt Pats wedding

My dad worked in his fathers business Clarks repairing Washing machines and appliances.

Dad and his brother Robert

I remember going to the Arena in Philly where my dad worked setting up and breaking down the track for the Roller Games for the Philadelphia Warriors. He also skated.

Worked also for Midvale Steel in Nicetown. And was an electrician like his father and worked at Norristown State Hospital until his retirement.