Obituary of George A. Clarke

George A. Clarke, 91, passed away on January 5, 2007, at Stamford Hospital. He was born March 10, 1915, in Readfield, Maine, son of George C. Clarke and Nellie Augusta Goodine. His childhood was spent living in Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, and he graduated from South Portland High in Maine in 1932. He majored in chemistry at the University of Maine, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1936. George was employed as a manager with the W.T. Grant Company in 1937 and was transferred to stores in eight states. While working in Binghampton, NY, George met Lois Wilson, and they later married on April 21, 1938. In 1943 George accepted a position in the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory of the Technical Service Division of American Cyanamid Company in Stamford, where he worked until his retirement in 1985. He was appointed group leader for various projects, including the Atomic Energy Division in Idaho Falls, ID, in 1951. From 1966 to 2000 George and Lois traveled nearly every year, visiting all seven continents and over 60 countries during that time. After retiring, George volunteered as an income tax counselor for the elderly through AARP. George also maintained a garden that supplied his family and friends with produce for many years. George was a devoted Christian and belonged to many churches as his jobs sent him around the country. In 1958 he joined the First Congregational Church in Stamford, where he remained an active member until the present. George served in a variety of offices at the church, including moderator, deacon, and, most recently, webmaster for the church’s website. George is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lois W. Clarke of Stamford; two sons, George A. Clarke, Jr., of Raymond, NH, and Gordon W. Clarke of Oxford, CT; one daughter, Dr. Rosemary E. Clarke-Solarno of Albuquerque, NM; two sisters, Virginia Silcocks of Sanbornville, NH, and Mildred Miller of St. Petersburg, FL; and two brothers, Carl Clarke of East Hartford, CT and John Clarke of Hilton Head, SC. He is also survived by three grandsons, Scott Pitkin, Jeffrey Clarke, and Robert M. Godzeno; and one great-grandson, Ethan Clarke. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by a brother, Robert; two sisters, Barbara and Doris; and two daughters, Jeanne Clarke Godzeno and Linda Jeanne Clarke. A private family interment will take place at Spring Grove Cemetery, Darien. Plans are being finalized for a memorial service to be held at the First Congregational Church of Stamford, Walton Place, Stamford, on Saturday, January 20, 2007. Call the church at 323-0200 for more information. The Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, Darien, CT, is handling the arrangements, with information online at www.lawrencefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the First Congregational Church of Stamford, Walton Place, Stamford, CT 06901. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820