David W. Clarke, age 93, formerly of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Christiana Hospital. He was born and raised in Glen Falls, NY and was the son of the late Ada M. (DeMarsh) and Walter E. Clarke.
He enlisted in the US Army Air Corp immediately after high school and honorably discharged from the US Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller in 1960. David served during the Korean War. After his separation from the military, David worked for the FAA as an Air Traffic Controller for over 20 years. After retirement, he was an instructor for air traffic control at the University of Oklahoma.
David was an avid tennis player and was a member of the United States Tennis Association (USTA). He was a member at Three Little Bakers Country Club where he mostly played singles and doubles and went to the National Tournament.
David’s wife of 66 years, Kazu (Hagiwara) died in 2016. He is survived by his four children, William Clarke (Renee), John Clarke (Lyn), Edward Clarke (Deborah) and Michelle Clarke; five grandchildren; David Cataldi, Christopher Clarke, Kevin Clarke, Tara Clarke and Evan Clarke; and many great grandchildren. David is also preceded in death by his daughter Marie Cataldi and a sister, Barbara Mona.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 28 at 12:30 pm at McCrery & Harra Funeral Homes, 3710 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington where family and friends may call after 11:30 am. Burial with military honors will follow at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Delaware Humane Assoc. 701 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
