Owen Anton "Tony" Clark

Owen Anton "Tony" Clark, 75, of Willimantic, died in the early morning on July 8, 2009, after a year long struggle with cancer. He was born in Hartford, CT on October 26, 1933, to the late Anna Lesizza Clark and Owen L. Clark. Tony graduated from Hartford Public High School in 1951 and spent four years in the US Navy. He was married to Kathleen McCarthy Clark for 44 years. Kathleen died in 2003. They are survived by six children: Anne Clark, and her son Owen Michael Freeman; John and Belinda Clark, and their son Jesse Clark; and Kathryn "Kate" Clark Crabtree, all of Willimantic; Martin and Audrey Clark, of Lebanon; Mary Clark Gagnon and Alan Gagnon and their son Andrew Gagnon, of Hardwick, Vermont; and Joseph and Manisha Clark and their two children Devon and Maya Clark, of Atlanta, Georgia. Tony is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Cathryn Girard, Christopher Clark, Margaret Silberman and Daniel Clark. He was pre-deceased by his sister Ann "Nan" Canivan. Tony and Kathleen lived a life of high adventure, ending up in Willimantic in 1979. They took their first five children on a world tour, expecting to settle in Australia. They lived in Western Australia in 1965. They returned to the United States in time for the birth of their youngest daughter Kate. Tony also worked as a letter carrier for almost 20 years with the US Postal Service in Connecticut and Lakeland, Fla. Tony and Kathleen were very active in the Willimantic Community for many years. Their voices could be heard singing at peace vigils, in local pubs on St. Patrick's Day and on many other occasions. Tony was often seen driving his beat-up trucks around the poorer neighborhoods, loaded with furniture, helping people move or delivering food to the Soup Kitchen. He also helped start a syringe exchange in Willimantic in the 1990s. People still remember "the guys who helped out when people needed it." In his last years, Tony enjoyed riding his bicycle, going to the pubs, watching the flowers in his yard, and singing with his children and grandchildren. A memorial service will take place later, at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Eastern Connecticut, Veterans for Peace, St. Paul's Covenant Soup Kitchen or simply care for each other to help each other find peace. Please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com for online memorial guest book.