Donald L. Clarke

Donald Leroy Clarke, age 83, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on Wednesday, June 13, 2012. He was born on May 27, 1929 to the late Francis J. Clarke and Marie Clarke in Pittsburgh, PA. He grew up in Leechburg, PA. Don served four years in the Navy during the Korean Conflict. He earned a B.S. in Education from what is now Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Masters Degree in business administration from Duquesne University. After a long career in the steel industry in the Pittsburgh area, Don and his wife moved to Cape Charles, VA where he became very active in the community and in the church. He served as Cape Charles town manager for two years and later served on the town council. In 1997, he received the Cape Charles Day Citizenship Award which reads, "for continued love and service to the community and to the people." Those feelings were always with him. He was treasurer and on the board of Arts Enter Cape Charles for many years. His joy was to act in the plays, help create scenery and enjoy all the theater had to offer. Don is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Clarke; his sons, Dr. Mark Clarke, Andrew F. Clarke and his wife, Shelly; a daughter, Yvonne Franks and her husband, Josh; granddaughter, Lauren Clarke and grandson, Jeffrey Clarke; brother-in-law, Tom Cutler and his wife, Judie, and their children, Tina Ellison and daughter, Bailey; Corinne Corr and her husband, Shannon; Martin Cutler and his wife, Helen, and daughter, Gia; sister Nancy's children, Dr. Jerome Schrapps and his wife, Latha, and sons, Alex and Nick; Claudia McKee and her husband, David, and their children. He was predeceased by his sister, Nancy. A Christian Wake service will be held Friday, June 15, 2012, at 7:00 PM at St. Charles Catholic Church. A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, June 16, 2012, at 11:00 AM at St. Charles Catholic Church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Charles Catholic Church Maintenance Fund, 545 Randolph Ave., Cape Charles, VA 23310 or to Arts Enter Cape Charles, P. O. Box 226, Cape Charles, VA 23310. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were made by Wilkins-Doughty Funeral Home in Cape Charles, VA.