Obituary for Ronald A. Clarke

Ronald A. Clarke, 88, passed away peacefully at his home, with family surrounding him on February 4, 2023. He was born October 5, 1934, in Southeast, Washington DC, the son of Alfred D. and Mildred E. Clarke.

Ronald (Ron or Ronnie, however you knew him as) Graduated from Gonzaga College High School in Washington DC in 1951. Following graduation and joined the military in the United States Air Force, he served in the Korean War with the 801st Medical Air Evacuation Unit. He was a flight paramedic and learned to fly helicopters and airplanes.  When he returned home, he asked to be stationed on the East Coast for the rest of his tour of duty and luckily the Air Force accommodated his wishes and sent him to Texas. Sheppard Air Force Base. He met Eleanor A. Ingle as she too was stationed there.  The two were married in January 1955 and celebrated 62 years of marriage as they were blessed with four daughters. They moved back to Washington, DC. in 1955, where Ron became a Metropolitan Police Officer, just like his father. Throughout his police career he was fortunate enough to retire after 22 ½ years of service while serving as a Motorman, Detective, one of the first Helicopter Pilots for MPD and Sergeant in Special Operations. He enjoyed his time while on the force and was a member of the Honor Guard with MPD.  In his free time he enjoyed his part time employment for WMAL reporting traffic.

Following, his first retirement he decided to go back to work as the Chief of Security, Director for the Washington Times Newspaper in Washington, DC. He enjoyed the Times newspaper, as he spread his wealth of knowledge all over the country as a guest-speaker with American Society for Industrial Security, (ASIS).  He made many friends during his lifetime and enjoyed being a people person.  He enjoyed fishing, boating, dancing and playing music.  His love for music gained him the ability to play any instrument he touched by ear. He enjoyed his family the most as they were right by his side when he passed on.

Surviving children, Vicki Moore & husband Robert Moore of Pomfret, Md., Cheryl Gallagher & husband J.C. Gallagher of Gum Springs, Va., Kathy Croft & husband Danny Van Arsdale of Vass, NC., and Jacqueline Emms & husband Tom Emms of Cameron, NC. In addition to the children are five grandchildren, Jason Moore, Lindsey Elliott, Kristin Hoffman, Devin Harris, & Shelby Croft.Thirteen great grandchildren, Kaleigh Moore, Madison Elliott, Mitchell Elliott, Addison Harris, Jensen Hoffman, Zachary Jones, Grayson Hoffman, Noah Elliott, Raylan Croft, Isla Croft, Jason Biagi, Bryson Biagi and Oaklyn Moore. His sisters, Carole Amato of Reston, VA, and Patricia E. Clarke of Sterling, VA. A single great, great grandchild rounding up the children is Bentley Elliott, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was pre-deceased by his father Alfred D. Clarke, his mother Mildred E. Clarke, brother Richard W. Clarke, and his loving wife Eleanor A. Ingle Clarke.

A Service of Remembrance will be held at 1pm on Saturday, February 11th at Cox Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, located at 4888 U.S. Hwy. 1, Vass, NC. 28394.

Interment will be held at 2pm on Sunday, February 12th at Springwood Presbyterian Church located at 1422 Springwood Church Road Burlington, NC. 27215.  A reception to follow in the church fellowship hall. 

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Ronald Clarke in a special way may make a donation in his memory to the “Tunnel to Towers Foundation” 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306.

Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com.

The family has entrusted services to Cox Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Vass.

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