Robert J. Clarke, Sr., 89, of Port Griffith, passed away unexpectedly Monday, February 14, 2022. He and his wife, Barbara Sauers Clarke, who he adored, celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on September 3, 2021.

Born in Pittston, he was the son of the late Willard and Genevieve Doyle Clarke. He was a graduate of Pittston High School. Robert was a proud U.S. Air Force veteran having served in the Korean War. Robert started his working career at Eberhard Faber, Mountain Top, then American Chain and Cable, West Pittston, but his love of trains led him to a 30 year career working for Lehigh Valley Rail Road and finishing with Conrail.

He was active in his community serving as a Sergeant for the Jenkins Township Auxiliary Police and the Jenkins Township Fire Department. He was a member of the VFW, Post 1227, Duryea.

He was a member of St. Joseph's Church, Port Griffith, where he assisted with the Parish's Chicken Dinners and making pierogis for the annual pierogi sale before returning to St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston, where he volunteered with the Care and Concern Committee Food Pantry since its inception.

Robert was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. He adored his grandchildren who were the light of his life. He provided unwavering love, support, and strength to his family.

In addition to his wife, Barbara, Robert is survived by his son Robert Clarke Jr and his wife Bridget; Daughter, Barbara Anastasi and her husband, Dominic; grandchildren, Alexandra Anastasi Dolinsky and her husband, Christopher; and Dominic (Nic) Anastasi; extended family, William Burke and Mary Burke Goode who he loved as his own; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother William Clark and his wife Rose Begley Clarke; twin sisters Genevieve Morgan and her husband Charles and Mary Agnes Fitzmaurice and her husband Leonard.

A memorial mass will be held on Monday, February 21, 2022 at 9:30 am in St. John the Evangelist Church, 35 William St. Pittston. Military honors will be conducted by AMVETS Honor Guard of Greater Pittston. Interment will be a later date in Mountain View Burial Park, Harding.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects at the church on Monday morning 8:30am until the time of the mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Pittston Food Pantry of St. John the Evangelist Parish 35 William St. Pittston Pa 18640 or to the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org) both of which were near and dear to his heart.