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Robert E. Clarke

5/6/1935 - 12/18/2013

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Obituary For Robert E. Clarke

Virginia Beach

Robert E. Clarke passed away on Dec.18th at Golden Living Community with his devoted "adopted daughter" Merilea Johnson and her mother, by his side.

Born in Hartford, CT in 1935, he was the son of Maurice Clarke and Vieva Downey Clarke. He lived in Collinsville , CT, for a short time but spent his growing up years in Columbia, CT, graduating from Windham Regional Technical School.

Bob joined the Navy at 18 and at age 23 was awarded the "Navy and Marine Corps Medal" by President Eisenhower. The medal was for "Heroic Conduct' in saving a young boy's life from drowning, while serving at the Navel Station in Newfoundland. The citation was signed by the Sec. of Navy for the President.

Bob retired from the Navy in 1976. From that day forward, he was known around Virginia Beach as the guy to go to, no matter what the need.

Bob was predeceased by his wife of 30 years, Nancy Ray Clarke, in 2000.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Deborah Hough and husband Sam of Valley Center, CA; a son, Richard Clarke and wife Lana of Escondido, CA; an "adopted" daughter, Merilea Johnson and husband Bruce of Virginia Beach, VA; 5 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, 2 "adopted" grandchildren; his sister, Jo-An Armstrong of Rangeley, ME; a cousin, Marsha Therrien and husband, Keith of Yakima, WA; and 1 niece & nephew.

There will be a graveside service in the spring, at the family's convenience in Boston, MA.

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Condolences

  • 04/08/2021

    Juanita M. Bush

    Bob you will be miss. You were a great friend for my years. God Bless. No more pain.

  • 04/08/2021

    Juanita M. Bush

    Bob you will be miss. You were a great friend for my years. God Bless. No more pain.

  • 04/08/2021

    Pamela

    I am at a loss for words. I know there is nothing for me to say that will make your loss easier. I hope you can understand what I can't put to words.Bob was a kindhearted, generous person.You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.I’m here for you if you need anything.

  • 04/08/2021

    Larry Stout

    Sure going to miss you, you taught me a lot.

  • 04/08/2021

    Penny Stites

    I will never forget how many times you fixed my sons bike tires,may you rest in peace

  • 04/08/2021

    Merilea Johnson

    You were Bob to many people. When my kids were little and they acted up, no matter how much I tried to get them to sit still or stop whining, you would use that deep alto voice of yours... and they would shut up! Oh, how you could arch your eyebrows and wiggle those ears. My boys would just laugh so hard. Thank you for all the memories you and Nancy provided for me. Bruce called you Mr. Clarkeeee... he teased you about the "E" all the time! I will never forget you, "Bobert". No matter how bad you felt, "Bobert" put a smile on your face. And thank you for smiling at me your last hours..... You will be greatly missed by each of us.

  • 04/08/2021

    Merilea Johnson

    I was able to upload pictures on Virginian Pilot obits. Please enjoy until this site uploads pictures on Monday

  • 04/08/2021

    Rose Kuykendall

    Bob you are with Nancy, you will be missed, God Bless Rose

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