Obituary of Richard E. Clark

ILION – Mr. Richard E. Clark, age 67, a longtime Ilion resident, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at Glens Falls Hospital. Throughout his brief hospital stay he had the love and support of his family at his bedside. Born on November 30, 1954, Richard was the son of the late Joseph H. and Dorothy E. (Walsh) Clark. He was raised and educated in the North Country of New York. Richard was a hardworking man whose last employment was with Gutchess Lumber in Vernon where he worked as an End Saw Trimmer. He also worked for many years with Ron Gill’s well drilling company in Chestertown, NY; a place where he made many lasting friendships. On August 12, 1988, Richard was married to the late Nancy (Rossi) Cushman-Clark and they spent over twenty years in a blessed union until Nancy’s passing on April 21, 2010. Richard was blessed to find love and companionship and in for the past ten years has shared a home and life with Ruth Smith; whom he affectionately called his “RoRo.” In his spare time, Richard enjoyed racing, particularly DIRTcar and NASCAR where he rooted for Stewart Freisen. He was also an avid fan of the NY Yankees. Richard is survived by his daughter, Priscilla L. Clark; his son, Richard E. Clark, II; his stepchildren, Bernie (Laurie) Cushman and Laura Cushman; his companion, Ruth Smith; his sisters, Mary (Patrick) Clark, Anne Lemery, Melody (Matt) Ryan and Debbie (Pedro) Caskey; and his beloved grandchildren, Ashley, Duke, Dalton and Ryan; along with five great-grandchildren with one more expected this coming May. He also leaves one aunt and several nieces, nephews and cousins; as well as his in-laws, Joseph Rossi, Mary Caruso and Gloria and Darrell Burdick. Aside from his parents and beloved wife, Nancy, Richard was predeceased by his sister, Nancy Clark; and by his brothers, Jack Clark and Edward Allen. Friends and relatives are invited to a memorial service and Celebration of Life for Richard, which will take place on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 from 3:00PM – 7:00PM at the Ilion/Frankfort VFW Post 502, 4274 Acme Road, Frankfort, NY 13340. Richard’s earthly remains will be laid to rest in St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Saranac Lake, NY at the convenience of his family. Final arrangements have been entrusted to the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000, Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, Funeral Directors.