Aida Clarke was born on August 27, 1958, in San Turce, Puerto Rico to Lucia Figeruoa, and Raphael Verdejo. She was the 5th of 7 children. Her early years were spent in Brownsville, New York where she attended Wingate High School. Growing up she picked up the nickname of “Flaca” because she was very tall, slim, and beautiful. She enjoyed many hobbies, including sewing, and would make Easter outfits for herself and her sisters. When the family moved to Staten Island, Aida attended Susan Wagner High School where she joined the track team and excelled in running, and was the team’s star shot putter. She married Eric Parker and had two sons, Eric and Justin (deceased). After Eric Sr. passed away Aida remarried Ron Clarke, and had another son, Joseph Clarke Jr. She was extremely dedicated to her children, guiding them to success in sports and education. Aida was unrelentingly supportive of all her son's endeavors. She was also dedicated to the furry loves of her life, her two dogs, Bentley and Fonzworth. Aida spent most of her remaining years in Tampa, Florida.
Aida had grand taste in cooking, traveling and anything she pursued. she would often try to encourage her family to join her in trying new and exciting things – like going on the grand river rapids. Aida once traveled by car around the entire United States. While her mother was alive she would invite her to join her on vacations, where she would treat her to first class travel and accommodations. Aida had an infectious laugh, was passionate and could be counted on to have intelligent, spirited debates on many subjects. Aida could also be counted on to help all her family stay in communication. In the past few months Aida was completely overjoyed with the birth of her grandson, Joseph Clarke III, and she found a renewed sense of purpose. Aida will be remembered as a woman who lived her life with the best of intentions, who loved her family and friends with all of her heart, and a woman of great spirit, and strength of character. In addition to her family life, Aida also had a tremendously successful career winning several national awards.
Aida is survived by her two sons, Eric, and Joseph and his wife Mary Ann, and their son Joseph Ronald Clarke III. She is also survived by her sisters Lucy, Maria, Carmen, Lourdes, and her brother Roberto, many nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends, and Bentley, and Fonzworth, her beloved dogs. She was preceded in death by her son Justin Clarke, her mother Lucia, her father Raphael, and her brother Raphael.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18