Mr. Michael F. Clark

UTICA/MARCY - Mr. Michael F. Clark, age 79, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 in the comfort of his home. Born in Utica on November 23, 1943, Michael was the son of the late Thomas, Jr. and Virginia (Bradt) Clark. He attended St. Francis De Sales High School and graduated in 1961 from Utica Free Academy High School. In 1963, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and studied at Indiana University with a major in Russian. He was stationed in Instanbul, Turkey, and later Japan, where he served as a linguist and interpreter for the National Security Agency protecting borders. He was discharged with honor in 1967 from Griffis Air Force Base. During his time of service, Mike returned home to marry the ‘love of his life’, the former Joanna Tinelli, on July 10, 1965. Together they raised their family and enjoyed 57 years of marriage. They were always together, especially in these later years, and they took exceptional care of one another. Mike was also a hands-on father, spending time participating in activities and sharing life lessons and learning experiences with his kids. For 22 years, Mike was employed by Amalie Motor Oil Company as a District Sales Manager. His achievements with the company earned him several awards for being the top Northeastern District Sales Manager. He subsequently accepted a position as Director for the Oneida County Veterans’ Services Agency, where he came full circle and embraced many friendships. His quick-witted sense of humor complemented his thoughtful and charismatic nature in both his personal and professional life. His was a life well-lived! From his perspective, the sun rose and set upon his family. His daughter was grateful for his tenderhearted indulgences, and his sons were proud that their dad bestowed his values and virtues to them. Sporting events were an integral connection to his boys and it was a pleasure for Mike to attend their events to show his pride in their participation and performance. Mike shared his love of professional sports with his family through many trips and years of enjoyment, from Fenway Park and the Boston Garden to the NY Rangers, Buffalo Sabres and Hartford Whalers. An incredible and memorable coach, Mike was a guiding light in both of his sons’ lives, and began his coaching years with his son, Steve, in his Babe Ruth League, a highlight of his life to this day. He went on to coach many other players on the UFA Varsity Baseball Team and Notre Dame Varsity Baseball Team, with the fondest of memories for every player he coached. His pride was seen so clearly when his grandson William was coached by the same players he himself coached in their earlier years. He was always present for his family during any special occasion, holiday, or family gathering, especially Christmas Eve and upholding the Italian traditions in all their glory. As a family, the Clarks celebrated 70 years at their Noyes Street homestead, where three generations were raised and made indelible bonds and memories. It was a wonderful and loving time and place where you could count on the blessings of sharing a closeness with neighbors. Mike was a lifelong parishioner of Sacred Heart Church. He was also a member of the American Legion/Post #229, a gathering place where his military camaraderie was honored and shared. As life allowed for leisure time, he and Joanna enjoyed driving to Maine, always taking the same coastal route, with Kennebunkport as the destination; he loved the state of Maine. They also treasured their annual family trips to Boston that began when the kids were young, and have remained a tradition for the next generations. At the end of the day, it was his grandchildren and great-grandchild who were the ultimate glory and gift from God. He found time for all of them, and these kids were the light of his life; he managed to make each of them feel his love and appreciation. When illness and infirmity afflicted Mike’s life, the family made the necessary changes to care for him in the same way he had cared for them, …and once again, life came full circle. Michael is survived by his devoted wife, Joanna; his children and their spouses, Kristen and Anthony Vennero, Michael A. and Jude Abruzzo Clark, and Stephen and Barbara Clark; grandchildren, Alaina Vennero and fiancé Angelo Romeo, and Becky Vennero; William M. Clark; Devin and Kailey Grabski; and Luke and Nolan Toukatly; great-grandchild, Dawson Grabski; brother and sister-in-law, Daniel B. and Susan Clark; sister-in-law, Lorretta Clark; and the memory of his brother, Thomas F. Clark, III who preceded him. He also leaves many nieces and nephews including Cynthia Clark, Natalie Catalano, Sheila Clark, Doug Clark, Bryan Clark, Jennifer Arbore, Kimberly Valenti, Rob Jesionowski, and their spouses and families; the memory of his nephew Jeffrey Jesionowski who preceded him; in-laws, Doreen E. and Robert Jesionowski, and Dr. William C., Jr. and Kelly Tinelli; lifelong friend, Joseph Hibey with whom he spoke daily; and cousins, Marie and Dominic “Butch” Viti. He was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, William C., Sr. and Helen E. (Autore) Tinelli. The family extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Kenneth Visalli for his compassionate nature; and Dr. Jameel Arastu who cared for Mike with such personal attention and guided him through 3 additional years of his life. Joanna and family wish to thank the first responders, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and the Maynard Fire Department members, for their kindness and compassion during such a difficult time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Michael’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 13 Marvin Street, Clinton, NY. Military Honors will be conferred by the U.S. Air Force, and there will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of the Mass. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Michael’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital online at www.stjude.org/donate. Envelopes will also be available at the service.

Mr. Michael F. Clark

November 23, 1943 - December 21, 2022