Francis J. Clarke Tribute

Arrangements:

Viewing Followed by Wake:

Thursday, February 18, 2010 4p.m. - 9p.m.

Torregrossa Funeral Home

2265 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn N.Y. 

Funeral Mass:

Friday, Februay 19, 2010 10 a.m.

St. Therese of Lisieux

1281 Troy Ave, Brooklyn N.Y.

Internment:

Holy Cross Roman Catholic Cemetery

3620 Tilden Ave, Brooklyn N.Y.

Obituary:

Francis Justin Clarke came into the world on July 21st, 1922; and the world hasn’t been the same ever since.  He was born in Sauters, Grenada, West Indies, the youngest of the six children born to John Henry and Delcina Philomena Clarke.  Upon completing elementary and secondary education, he taught Woodworking at the Hillsborough Government School in Carriacou, Grenada.  In 1953, he decided that he was going to make his mark in the United States.

In that same year, shortly after arriving in the United States, he married Esther Felicia Romain, to whom he had been betrothed.  Once in the U.S., he wasted no time pursuing the American dream, while more deeply realizing and learning how to address the gross inequities that existed for the underprivileged and people of color.  He attended the New York City Technical College, New York Institute of Technology and Long Island University.  He attained undergraduate degrees, in Applied Science and Civil Engineering, and a Master of Science Degree in Public Health Administration.  He taught Pattern Making and Woodworking in the New York City Public School System, and then went on to a career as a Civil Engineer in the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office of New York City.

Francis was a member of his church’s Usher Board, a Lector, a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Holy Name Society and organized many projects in and around the church.  He lived to help the less fortunate and underrepresented. He had a passion for teaching the young. He enjoyed and always had time to talk politics and most importantly, to mentor any young person that would come to him.  In 1969, he helped found and was a board member for many years of the Charles Drew Neighborhood Health Center, Inc.; a non-profit organization that provided jobs and health care to the inner city community.  In 1993 he founded and chaired the East Flatbush Ecumenical Council, Inc. Boys and Girls Choir; an organization dedicated to fostering community cooperation among various church groups, with emphasis on developing the social skills of youth through music and song.  This again, demonstrated Francis’ life long commitment to his community and the constructive development of young people. 

He was an avid civil rights and community activist.  He’s organized numerous voter registration drives and strongly promoted participation in community events and projects and especially, the democratic process.  To further demonstrate his unwavering belief in the American democratic process he ran for public office in 1991.  Francis used his candidacy to stimulate and enlighten family, friends and community, both young and old, about the political process and the need to get involved. His enthusiasm for life and his passions have always been contagious.

After a long and respected career, he retired from his professional work.  But he was far from done with work. He remained actively engaged in local politics and community affairs.  He continued to chair the East Flatbush Ecumenical Council, Inc. He collected rare stamps and coins; and began sharing his inner thoughts and artistic talents by composing poetry.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Esther, his three children; Rita, Raymond and Gemma, his five grandchildren; TaMekia, Erin, Justin, Aura and Elon, two great granchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, one daughter in law, two sons in law, a host of friends and a community of people who he has touched through his life's work.

In lieu of flowers, donations can me made to the

East Flatbush Ecumenical Council, Inc.

1187 Troy Ave.

Brooklyn, New York  11203