Russell Richardson Clark, Jr.

Russell “Russ” Richardson Clark, Jr.

A True Gentleman -

Russell “Russ” Richardson Clark, Jr., age 86, of Carlisle, PA, and formerly of Malvern, PA and Boylston, MA, passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife by his side on Thursday, May 11, 2017.  Russ was born on Sunday, February 1, 1931 in Framingham, MA to the late Russell Richardson Clark, Sr. and Lillian Mae (Heath) Clark.  In addition to his parents, Russ is preceded in death by his sister, Hazel Fontaine.

Russ’s survivors include his loving wife of almost 65 years, Geraldine “Gerry” Frances (Christian) Clark; his six children: Debra Arcari and her husband, Craig, of Stuart, FL, Donna Erickson of Clinton, MA, Diane Navin and her husband, Vinnie, of Somers, CT, Russell “Rusty” Clark, III and his wife, Marie, of Princeton, MA, Jayne Risi of Clinton, MA, Linda Nagle of Mechanicsburg, PA; his 11 grandchildren; his 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Russ graduated from Millis High School as part of the class of 1949.  He retired from Howard Johnson Company’s Vending Division after many years of service working as a manager.  He was a member of the Carlisle Aeromodelers AMA Chapter #1424.  Russ served in the United States National Guard where he was proud of the sharpshooter status he received.  He also ran the Colonial Variety Store in Boylston, MA.

Some of Russ’s hobbies included model building, radio controlled planes, and H model railroad cars.  Russ played semi-professional baseball with Connie Mac’s Philadelphia A’s.  He was a Cub Scout leader and coached little league baseball with a team that won a championship game.    Russ loved helping his wife create a beautiful garden in every home they lived in.  He was always digging up dandelions and Russ did so up until the last two weeks of his life.  He enjoyed keeping the birds fed with both water and food.

Russ always put his family first and he loved his wife deeply.  He always showed Gerry the utmost amount of kindness and he cared immensely about her happiness.  Russ was a true gentleman who was respected by all who cared for him.  He also loved and cared for all of God’s creatures, especially his shelties.  Russ loved talking to people and often entertained them with his quick sense of humor.  He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend who will be missed deeply by everyone.

Russ’s family will be remembering his life privately.  Cremation was private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in celebration of Russ’s life can be made to Project Share, 5 North Orange Street #4, Carlisle, PA 17013, www.ProjectSharePA.org or to any animal rescue organization of the donor’s choosing.

Russ’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Russ’s full obituary and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com.