Former Rhode Islander John Clarke, Jr., Dies in South Carolina

Saturday, October 16, 2021

The world lost a wonderful, brilliant, and God-loving man on October 4, 2021 when John J. Clarke Jr, 85, of Murrells Inlet, SC passed away after a brief illness. John was born on July 23, 1936 in West Warwick RI, where he spent most of his life.

John lived his life with zest and passion; integrity and principles and was always ready to laugh at what moved him, and to fight for what he believed in. He encouraged all he met to do the same.

John’s interests and accomplishments are far too many to list. But, among those he was most passionate about and proud of were his 42 years as a friend of Bill Wilson during which time he helped countless men and women to find their way to sobriety. He was also an entrepreneur who spent 50 years in the insurance business. John had a love for HAM radio, public service and politics.

John was president of the Rhode Island Jaycees, where he won first prize in their National Community Development Portfolio competition. He was also a proud conservative who loved his country and spent thousands of hours managing political campaigns ranging from local, to state and congressional offices. He was an exceptional political strategist and was one of the first in the country to use computer technology as a campaign tool.

He was a graduate of West Warwick High School and attended Northeastern University. After serving in the Army during the Cuban missile crisis John entered the insurance industry and remained there for 58 years.

John was a devoted husband to his wife Judy, a loving brother to his sole surviving sister Barbara, and a devoted father and was loved deeply by his many nieces and nephews. If you had John as a friend, you were given one of the greatest gifts life has to offer.

John is survived by his wife Judith, his sister Barbara; his sons Jim, Kevin and Michael; his daughter Elizabeth (Beth) and his grandchildren Nancy Clarke, Vera Clarke, Grace Clarke, Hope Clarke, Jared Rosenstein, Jenna Rosenstein & husband Kobi Cohen. 

A 10:30 AM memorial mass will be held Sunday the 17th of October, at St. John’s & St. James Church, 20 Washington Street, West Warwick, RI 02893 Family & friends are invited to a luncheon at The Arctic Playhouse 1249 Main St., WW, RI after the mass.

They say that when an elder passes a library is burned. On October 4th 2021 a beautiful library filled with a lifetime of love, accomplishments, and fascinating stories and tales was lost forever. John will be missed as much as he was and still is loved; tremendously and forever.

Condolences may be made at www.burroughsfh.com

Burroughs Funeral Home of 3558 Old Kings Highway Murrells Inlet, 29576

Murrells Inlet (843.651.1440) is in charge of arrangements.