COUNCIL #367 - KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NORFOLK, VA COUNCIL 367 REMEMBERS |
Charles A. Clark VIRGINIA BEACH - Charles Ambrose "Charlie" Clark passed away June 19, 2008, at the age of 95. He was born in New Hope, Ky., March 15, 1913, the youngest of 12 children of the late Charles Nelson and Florence Greenwell Clark. He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Helen Kerneckel Clark, in February 2005. Charlie was aboard the USS Phoenix in Pearl Harbor during the attack and received a Purple Heart for injuries. He retired from the U.S. Navy in 1956 as a chief boatswain's mate after 25 years of service. During his career, he was stationed aboard the following: USS Colorado, USS Nitro, USS Wyoming, USS Phoenix, USS Pybus, USS Wake Island, USS Begor, USS LST 664, USS Taconic and the USS Kleinsmith. He participated in the Battles of Coral Sea, Lingayen Gulf, Okinawa, Iwo Jima, Solomon Islands, Normandy Invasion, Midway Island and the Korean War. Charlie and Helen resided in Norfolk after his retirement from the U.S. Navy until their move to Virginia Beach. He was reportedly the oldest surviving member of Chapter II Pearl Harbor Survivors Association residing in this area. He was also a former member of Christ the King Catholic Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Knights of Columbus, Retired Federal Employees, Fleet Reserve Branch 60, Norfolk Senior Citizens and a past volunteer at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. He is survived by his children, Patricia Miano and husband Quinn, Charles N. Clark, M.D. and wife Jane, Diane Russell and husband Steve and Suzanne Clark; grandchildren, Carlyn Clark McMillian, Stephanie Miano Grant, Jason Miano, Charles N. Clark Jr., M.D., Adam Miano, Brian Clark Russell, Lyndsey Russell and Katherine Clark; and four great-grandchildren, Aidan Grant, Brady McMillian, Lucas Miano and Emma Grant. Charlie was well known for his love of music, playing his mandolin and harmonica, singing, gardening, woodworking and was known as "Mr. Fix-it." He loved and was devoted to his family and they in turn loved him. He will truly be missed by all. The family would like to express a sincere thank you to the staff of Sentara Windermere and Heartland Hospice for the care provided to our father and Pop-Pop during his illness. A military funeral honors service will be conducted Wednesday, July 2, at 10 a.m. in Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Nazareth Home, 2000 Newburg Road, Louisville, KY 40205, a long-term care facility for the religious operated by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Ky. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Laskin Road Chapel, is handling arrangements. |