Joseph P. Clark

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Lifelong Meiers Corners resident Joseph Clark, 80, who held a host of jobs, including a decades-long career playing the bagpipes, died Thursday in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze.

Mr. Clark worked for Harmon Home for Funerals, West Brighton, as a pallbearer and bagpipe player for 10 years. He also was a self-employed bagpipe player for 30 years.

In addition, he was a stockbroker for Merrill Lynch; a public-relations manager for the American Export-Isbrandtsen Lines, a steamship company, and a salesman for the Brighton USA janitorial-supply firm in New Brighton. And, under the name of Valley Farm Dairy, he and his father, Joseph, operated a milk-delivery business on the Island.

Mr. Clark was a member of the Rocking A Horsemen's Association and the Staten Island Ski Club. His family also said that Mr. Clark, active in the Republican Party on the Island, ran the organization's finance committee.

He graduated from the former Augustinian Academy and attended Wagner College, both Grymes Hill.

Mr. Clark enjoyed Irish festivals, parades, bluegrass music and vintage cars. When he was younger, he raced horses in the borough as a hobby, family said. And he performed with the Leathernecks Pipes and Drums unit and the city Department of Correction Bagpipe Band.

Surviving are his sons, Joseph and Robert; two grandchildren, and his former wife of 20 years, Frances.

There will be a memorial service Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Harmon Home for Funerals. Arrangements include cremation.