Obituary of Dr. Robert F. Clark

Dr. Robert F. Clark, born October 22, 1923 to Raymond C. and Margaret (Snyder) Clark in Syracuse NY, was lifted into our Heavenly Father's loving arms on July 23, 2017 with family by his side. He is predeceased by his ever loving wife of 69 years Helen K. Clark and survived by sons Robert F. Clark Jr. (Laurel Springs, NJ) Mark J. Clark, grandson Adam J. Clark and daughter-in-law Rita C. Clark. He was also predeceased by brothers Col. Raymond, V. William, and John Clark. Brother and sister-in-law Robert and Doris McMahon. He is survived by sisters Sr. Anne L. Clark (Latham, NY), Rita Finn-Pereira (Cupertino, CA), Brother and sister-in-law E.G. (Jerry) and Alice Clark (Indian Trail, N.C.), sister-in-law Eleanor Hess-Clark (Endicott, N.Y.) and Ellen Clark O'Neill (Virginia) and many nieces and nephews scattered around the country. Bob's family relocated to Binghamton's South Side at 4 yrs. Old. He excelled and graduated from Binghamton Central High School as Senior Class Vice President. He then attended Niagara University as a pre-dental candidate 1941-43 where he captained the track and cross country teams. He graduated from the University of Buffalo dental school as a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1946 at age 22. Dr. Clark served our great country in the Army of the United States Dental Corps in occupied Japan as a Captain 1946-49. He was practicing in the 375th Station Hospital, Kobe, Japan, where his young beautiful wife Helen joined him in 1947. They returned to Binghamton in 1949 where Bob started his private dental practice. In 1963 he was a founding partner of 68 Oak, Inc. Dental Arts Group. He was incredibly accomplished and renowned in the local community. Bob retired from private practice in 1988, but continued to serve the community with his skills in dentistry until the day he ceased to breathe. Dr. Clark loved his profession, his patients and the gleaming smiles he helped provide. He also taught dental hygiene at Broome Community College. Dr. Clark was a member of NYS Dental Society for his entire career. Bob enjoyed his time as President of the Broome County Dental Society and the Broome County Health Association where he was a staunch proponent of water fluoridation. He also served his community as President of the Binghamton Optimist Club and enjoyed over 60 years as a proud member of the Binghamton Club where he was elected President for two terms. Bob was no stranger to the bowling alleys at the Binghamton Club where he rolled a 257 perfect game and celebrated numerous club championships. He was also an avid golfer with a hole in one to his credit and many winning days at Bingo, Bango, Bongo. Bob contributed to the successes of the prestigious Austin Putting Academy as well in the capacity of a charter member. Dr. Clark loved his faith in the Catholic Church and proudly professed it. Bob served at St. John the Evangelist and St. Vincent de Paul Blessed Sacrament in many capacities; as a trustee, Parish Council and Holy Name and Nocturnal Adoration Societies Officer. He participated in daily mass and daily rosary. Through St. John the Evangelist, Bob also worked with his sons, serving Boy Scout Troop 32. In addition, he was a life-long member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Vincent de Paul Blessed Sacrament Church, Clubhouse Rd., Vestal, Thursday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in St. Augustine's Cemetery, Silver Lake, PA. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton Wednesday from 4-7 p.m.