Obituary of Robert N. Clark

Robert N. Clark, age 85 of Ransomville, died Saturday January 22, 2011 at his residence under the loving care of his family and Niagara Hospice, after a lengthy illness. Robert was born February 25, 1925 in Forestville, NY, the son of the late Elwin and Anna M. (Davis) Clark and has resided in this community since 1940. He was a WW II Veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving from 1943 to his honorable discharge as a Motor Machinist's Mate Second Class in 1946. Robert was in the second wave to storm Omaha Beach on D-Day, operating the ramp on his landing craft, and his experiences were recalled in the Buffalo News on the 65th anniversary of D-Day. He was the recipient of the American Theater Medal, the Victory Medal, the European Theater Medal with 1 star, and the Asiatic Pacific Medal. Prior to his entry into the Navy, Robert worked as a Cast Iron Core Maker at the Barker Foundry Works. When he returned home from the War he completed school graduating from Wilson High School in 1947. Robert then joined Local # 9 Ironworkers Union, in Niagara Falls, working as a Journeyman for the next 40 years, retiring in 1987. He was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church at North Ridge, the American Legion O. Leo Curtiss Post # 830 in Ransomville, and the St. Peter's Lutheran Church Bowling League. Robert was a "gentleman farmer" and enjoyed fishing, hockey, and the outdoors, but most of all loved his family. He married Eleanor J. (Schultz) Clark on January 15, 1947. Eleanor predeceased him on February 19, 2003. He is survived by his children, Donna J. Wright of Greenville, SC, Susan G. (James) Perry of Marathon, FL, Marcia E. (Bob) Dymek of North Tonawanda, Thomas R. (Carol) Clark of Wilson, Nancy A. (Joseph) Ringvelski and Roger A. (Laurie) Clark both of Ransomville, and Douglas S. (Keri) Clark of the Town of Pendleton; 18 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren; a brother in law, Richard Webb of Lewiston; a sister in law, Mary Clark of Wilson, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Dorothy Webb and three brothers, Floyd "Red", Norman, and Peter Clark. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville on Tuesday from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 PM. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, January 26, at 1:00 PM in St. Peter's Lutheran Church at North Ridge, 4169 Church Rd., Town of Cambria, with the Rev. Alexander Knowles officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, PO Box 631, Buffalo, NY 14240-9856 , or to St. Peter's Lutheran Church At North Ridge, 4169 Church Rd., Lockport, NY 14094.