Richard Sharp Clarke Sr.

Dick was born in Tampa to James D. and Caro Clarke on 10/3/1927. He was a great, great grandson of Tampa pioneer Captain James McKay. Growing up in Hyde Park, he went to school following the normal path of Gorrie, Wilson and Plant. He graduated from the University of Florida (GO GATORS) in 1950. He married Adele Marsicano on Nov. 9, 1951, in Tampa. He worked as the president, CEO and part owner (with his brother, niece and children) at his family business (started in 1911 by his father), Peninsular Paper Co, for 67 years retiring at 89 only when the business was sold. He was a veteran of World War 2 serving in the Navy. He was involved in Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla (75 years ultimately serving as both Captain (1974,1975) and (King (1977), The Tampa Yacht and Country Club (member since 1949, commodore in 1980), The Kiwanis Club of Tampa (72 years), Tampa Board of Adjustment (24 years), City of Tampa Civil Service Board (3 years), The Children’s Home of Tampa, The Tampa General Hospital Foundation (President and Chairman), The Tampa Historical Society (president 2 years), Presidents Council of Jesuit High School (3 years) and many other charitable organizations. He also served on 4 different paper trade advisory councils, receiving numerous awards for long service to all of these above organizations.

He was a long time (60 plus years) season ticket holder, then a BULL GATOR, supporting his beloved Fla. Gators.

Dick is preceded in death by James D Clarke (father), Caro Clarke (mother) and his brother James D. Clarke Jr.

Dick is survived by his wife Adele Clarke, his son Richard S. Clarke Jr., (Becky) his daughters Ralphael Clarke (Charles O’Kelley) and McLaurine Clarke (Hans-Deiter Stach). He is also survived by 2 grandchildren, Richard S Clarke III (Katherine) and Dr. Bryan Clarke (Kimberly) as well as 2 great grandchildren Hudson Clarke and Isabella Clarke. He is also survived by his only niece Mary Karen Clarke, who also worked with him for many years.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday 12/29/24 at the First Presbyterian Church of Tampa, located at 3302 W. Horatio St. in Tampa with the Reverend Fitz Conner of The First Presbyterian Church officiating. Dick was a member of the church for nearly 67 years.

A private internment was held 12/21/24 at Garden of Memories. Arrangements are by Blount and Curry.

Memorials may be given to YMKG Community Fund, PO Box 1514, Tampa FL, 33601 (you can also VENMO to YMKG Community Fund) or the charity of your choice.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Visiting Angels of Tampa Bay for their superlative care of Dick during his final months as well as the First Presbyterian Church and the Tampa Yacht and Country Club for accommodating us in this busy Christmas season.