Wilkes-Barre, PA was the childhood home of Art where he grew up an avid Phillies fan and was affectionately known as “Buddy”. After graduating from Meyers High School he joined the USAF and was stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, AZ. While on leave back in Pennsylvania he met Joyce Irene Major of Dallas, PA. They were later married in a small church in Huntsville, PA on December 27, 1958 before returning to Tucson to complete his tour of duty. They enjoyed 59 years of marriage. They then returned to PA and started a family. Art obtained a bachelor's degree from Wilkes University and later a master’s degree from Lehigh University. Art worked for Western Electric Company which later became AT&T. He and his family moved many times during his career living in NJ, IL, CA, and back to NJ where he ultimately retired in 1990.
After a successful career, Art retired to their beach house at the Jersey Shore in Seaside Park, NJ where he became very involved in local government. He ran for Town Council where he served for 2 terms. After his daughter moved to North Carolina in 1992, Art and Joyce decided to move as well so they could be closer to their grandchildren. They have been residents of Apex for 22 years. Art never missed any of his grandchildren’s activities. He was in attendance for all their hockey, lacrosse and baseball games. He was the fan who arrived early and cheered loudly. He was affectionately known as “pop pop” by his grandchildren and their many friends.
Art was a kind, compassionate man with a gift for being able to fix anything. He graciously shared his knowledge, his tools, his resources and his kind words. He would help anyone who had a need. He loved people and would do anything he could to help. He was known for getting things done and was active in his neighborhood, Beckett Crossing, and the community of Apex. He was also a member of Apex United Methodist Church.
Art loved his family and is survived by his wife, Joyce, of 59 years, his daughter Julie (Matt) Moon and son Mark (Colleen) of Pennington, NJ. Also surviving are brothers Carl (Penny) of Gilroy, CA and Paul (Mary) of Dallas, PA and his many nieces and nephews. Also left with priceless memories of their “Pop Pop”/Grandpa are Tyler, Meghan, Brian, Ryan and Chris.
The family would like to thank the staff of Heartfields of Cary for their exceptional care over the past year, Dr Yoo and the Oncology/Radiation team at Duke Medical Center who helped him overcome throat cancer in 2010, and Transitions Life Care Services who provided much love and support over the past months.
A Celebration of Life Service for Art will be held at Apex United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 12th at 2:00 pm. Visitation will follow at the church. Family members request that donations be made to Transitions Life Care Services or a charity of their choice in Art Clemm’s Memory. Online condolences may be made at www.apexfuneral.net.
