D. Clark Willmott

D. Clark Willmott, 83, of Marblehead, died peacefully surrounded by loving family and friends on July 16. Born on Oct. 10, 1940, to Charles Sherman and Ellen Clark Willmott, Clark grew up in Glens Falls, New York, alongside his twin sister, Lesley, and big brother, Pete, who died on Nov. 11, 2023.

Clark attended Trinity-Pawling where he honorably served as a prefect, captain of the cross country team and was a three-sport varsity athlete. Voted “most likely to succeed” by his classmates, Clark attended Williams College, until to everyone’s surprise (and his parents’ chagrin) he quit halfway through his senior year to “save the world.” Clark worked at the Albany Home for Children eventually returning to Williams, graduating in 1963.

D. Clark and Sheila Wilmott

On Feb. 20, 1965, Clark married the love of his life, Sheila, and in 1977 they moved their family to Marblehead, where they took full advantage of their idyllic coastal surroundings. These years were highlighted by boating on the Willpower, epic “Camp Willy” Fourth of July weekends and CYC family fun often followed by porch antics and/or dancing on tables at Maddie’s.

Clark regaled in everything Marblehead, including participating in Rotary and serving on the board of the Marblehead Community Counseling Center and North Shore Elder Services. In his later years, Clark could often be found on Front Street whisking unsuspecting tourists off on a waterfront walking tour whilst telling jokes and sharing stories of historic lore that may or may not have been true. Invariably these tours usually ended at Leslie Cove, his slice of heaven, to introduce these strangers-become-friends to Sheila.

Clark lived an outstanding life where building and maintaining meaningful relationships were paramount to his being. He was an absolute classic with an insatiable appetite to engage, help and humor people. He was a natural leader in every facet of his life, while remaining incredibly humble and always willing to be the butt of the joke. Like many, he was a “family first” guy, always ready to jump into action with his positive outlook, affable nature and pure comic relief. When National Lampoon’s first “Vacation” movie came out in 1983, his kids and their friends were convinced that the writers had been spying on them. In short, Clark Willmott was Clark Griswold.

On a business level, Clark was truly a legend with the beautiful irony being there was nothing business about him. He always kept it 100% personal. After being an HR executive for many years, he founded Willmott & Associates, Inc. in 1982 and became known as the “Godfather of HR Placement.” Legend has it that in a 60-minute interview, Clark would spend only the last 10 minutes addressing the candidate’s work history and career objectives. He mentored many young careers and maintained lifelong friendships over 45 years in the biz.

After a few challenging years living with dementia, Clark’s family finds comfort in knowing that he is finally at peace and reunited with his bride of 58 years, Sheila, who predeceased him on Nov. 18. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered for his compassion, integrity and values by his children, Cath and Jeff; their spouses, Dan Sullivan and Eileen Willmott; his three grandsons, Adam and Luke Willmott and Will Sullivan; many extended family members and countless close friends.

A service and celebration of Clark’s wonderful life will be hosted for family and friends on Sept. 15 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Marblehead. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Clark and Sheila’s name to either the Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH Chapter or the Kaplan Family Hospice House.