Sperry & McHoul Funeral Home Obituaries

William "Bill" Clarke, 90, on October 3, 2022

William “Bill” Clarke, 90, of Plainville, passed away in the comfort of his daughter’s home in Charlestown, RI, surrounded by his family on October 3, 2022. 

He was born on January 20, 1932 in Attleboro, MA. He was the son of Dr. Elmer Clarke and Miriam (Blanchard) Clarke.

Bill married the love of his life, Joan Frances (McQuade) Clarke in 1956. He graduated from Northeastern University, Class of 1957 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He proudly served in the Navy Reserve while completing his college education and beginning his career in facilities management.  Bill retired from UMASS Boston in 1999 as the Director of Facilities. He was a member of the Bristol Lodge Masons for over 50 years and an active member of the Plainville United Methodist Church.  

Above all else, Bill enjoyed spending time with his family. He was the best, most present father, grandfather, and great grandfather there was. “Baba” was an avid sailor and enjoyed spending his time on the water with family, whether kayaking or sailing on the lakes of Maine or in the open waters of Esker Point, CT.  Bill was an avid animal lover through and through, and always found a best friend in his rescue dogs.  

In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his loving wife, Joan and his brother, David. He is survived by his sister, Miriam Vincent and her husband, Richard. Bill leaves behind his daughter, Janet Lombardo and her husband, Ted of Charlestown, RI, his son, Peter Clarke, and his wife, Hope of Attleboro, MA; grandchildren, Chelsea (Lombardo) Prioli and her husband Michael, Kaileigh Lombardo, and Nathaniel Clarke; and great grandchildren, Mia and Michael Prioli.

His funeral service, to which relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend, will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 11:00 AM in the Sperry & McHoul Funeral Home, 15 Grove Street, North Attleboro. Longtime friend of Bill and his family, the Reverend David Hill, will officiate. Visiting hours will be held prior to the funeral home service from 10:00 AM until service time.

Interment will be at Plainville Cemetery in Plainville, at which time Bill will be laid to rest with his late wife, Joan.

In lieu of flowers, Bill asked that donations be made to Southern Paws Inc. (animal rescue) online or mailed directly to P.O. Box 174, Ringwood, NJ 07456.

To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.sperry-mchoul.com