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Malcolm F. Clarke, 95, "the original Town Crier" of
Wellsboro, passed away peacefully Oct. 26, 2018, on his own terms.
Malcolm was born on March 26, 1923, in Wellsboro, the son of Carlton and
Julia Genevieve Clarke.
Upon graduating from Wellsboro High School in 1941, he worked driving an ice
cream truck, and as an inspector of Pyrex products at Corning Glass Works,
before volunteering for the United States Army Air Corp in December
1942.
In the Air Corp, he flew thirty-five successful B-17 bombing missions during
the World War II air offensive over Europe as a radio
operator and gunner. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air
Medal with three Oak Leaf clusters, and was honorably discharged in 1945.
After attending the Atlantic Business School, Malcolm worked at Carson's
Finance in Wellsboro, and later as a special insurance agent and division
manager for the Prudential Insurance Company until his retirement.
A community leader and mentor, Malcolm served as a Little League coach and
umpire, scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America and a Small Fry football
coach.
He was a member of American Legion Post #84 in Wellsboro and served as the
16th District Commander of the American Legion.
He was a member, and past president of the Wellsboro Men's Chorus, as well as
serving as president of the New York Penn District, Associated Male Choruses
of America, and president of the American Male Choruses of America.
He was an avid golfer, a member of the Tyoga Country Club, where he served as
a director and tournament organizer.
He was an integral part of Dickens of a Christmas in Wellsboro, and was best
known as "The Town Crier," a role he originated and performed for
18 years, not only during Dickens, but also while leading the Laurel Festival
parade each June, as well as numerous other parades and festivals in the
surrounding area.
Malcolm is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Robin Clarke
of Painted Post, N.Y., son, James of Sarasota, Fla., daughter-in-law, Terry
Dunn of Canandaigua, N.Y., son Lynn Graham of Wellsboro; six grandchildren;
four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Carol, as well as three brothers,
twin Maison; Wells, Donald, and two sisters, Lelia and Phyllis.
The family would like to thank Deb Cuda for her work through the Tioga County
Area Agency on Aging in assisting Malcolm to remain in his home during the
past five years, Guardian Home Health, all his caregivers, Dr. Harpst, Dr.
Singh, and Dr. Domarew, plus all those within the community that treated him
with dignity and respect.
In lieu of flowers, Malcolm requested that donations be made in his name to
either the Alzheimer's
Association, www.act.alz.org, the American Heart
Association, www2.heart.org, or the Wellsboro Men's chorus, 114 Main
St. #1, Wellsboro, PA 16901. The family will be notified of all memorial
contributions.
A receiving of family and friends will be held Friday, Nov. 2, from 4 p.m.
until 7 p.m. at Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, Ltd., 139 Main Street, Wellsboro.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, Nov. 3, at 11 a.m., at Tussey-Mosher
Funeral Home, Ltd., with the Rev. Canon Gregory P. Hinton presiding.
Services will conclude with a full military burial at the Wellsboro Cemetery,
followed by a life celebration at the Wellsboro Social Club. To share your
fondest memories of Malcolm, please visit www.tusseymosher.com. |
