Mr. Robert Frederick Clark, Esq.

Robert Frederick Clark, Esquire, died Saturday, July 18, 2015 in Melbourne, Florida at the age of 87 with his family by his side. He was the last of six children of Edward and Sarah Clark of Belfast, Ireland. His three sisters: Ellen, Sarah, Bridget, were born in Ireland: and he and his two brothers, Francis and John, were born in the United States. Robert was born in 1927 in East St. Louis, Illinois.

Robert, was known to his childhood family and friends as “Freddie,” and as “Bob,” later in life to his friends, colleagues and family. All those who knew him were aware that Robert was a devout Catholic who held his religious beliefs and values close to his heart.

Robert began his parochial education at the age of four at St. Joseph Catholic School and attended Sacred Heart Catholic School from grades 2nd through 8th. Due to his strong family and academic commitment, he completed his high school education while working on the railroads to help support his family. In 1945, at the age of 17 years, he chose to enlist in the U.S. Navy where he served on the USS Bugara (SS-331), a Balao-class submarine until August 5, 1948 and had achieved the rank of QM-3. Robert was recognized as having received a Good Conduct Award in addition to his other WWII commendations.

Upon discharge, he simultaneously re-enlisted in the AFROTC and enrolled in The Saint Louis University School of Law, in September 1948. Robert’s military career in the AFROTC, when he was commissioned in 1953, escalated into his service as a Major in the 9013th Air Reserve Information Squadron upon retirement on December 14, 1976.

While in Law School, Robert was elected Junior Class Treasurer; served as Publicity Committee Co-Chairman for the Annual Alumni Law Day Celebration; was a member of Delta Theta Phi (Bakewell Senate); and employed as Student Librarian in senior year. Robert also joined the SLU LAW Student Bar Association and was selected along with, Charles (Chuck) Ohmer Esq., his future lifelong best friend, to assist the SLU School of Nursing to create a Nursing Association and Constitution. In his first meeting, Bob noticed Catherine, affectionately known as “Kitty”, who was in her final year of Nursing School. He married Kitty, his soulmate and love of his life in The Chapel of Our Lady, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York, NY, on June 11, 1955.

Robert graduated with his J.D. from SLU School of Law in 1953. April 10th, 1954 he was admitted to the Missouri Bar. In 1955, Bob and Kitty honeymooned in Miami, Florida and decided to make it their home. November 6th of 1958 Bob was admitted to the Florida Bar.

Bob worked as an all-lines insurance adjustor for State Farm Mutual from 1953 to 1955 and Travelers from 1955 until 1958 when he began his general practice at the Law Offices of W. C. Mather, in Hollywood, FL. Robert left there in 1959 to begin practice at the Law Offices of Chesley V. Morton & Associates in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

He joined the City of Miami in 1964 and served as Assistant City Attorney until 1980 when he was appointed Deputy City Attorney. Robert retired March 12, 1989 one day after his 25th anniversary as Chief Deputy City Attorney. He was immediately rehired as Special Counsel to the City Attorney and continued his tenure for another two years. In recognition of all his years of service, the City of Miami honored and dedicated “The Robert F. Clark Plaza” to him. This urban pocket park is located in downtown on the north side of the Miami-Dade County Courthouse at Northwest 1st Avenue and Northwest 1st Street

Robert’s additional professional and community activities included his pro bono legal services serving as a mediator in Brevard County, as well as his membership as a Fourth Degree Knight in The Knights of Columbus for over 69 years. Sir Knight Robert F. Clark was an active member and had even been recognized for his Distinguished Service as an Officer and Member of The Father Gabriel Council 3746, May 26th, 2015. Bob served as their Council Advocate from 2012 -2015.

Bob was an active member of St. James Catholic Church and School in Miami and then became an active parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Melbourne where he served as a lector and Eucharistic Minister.

Bob and Kitty were committed to giving of themselves to numerous local, national and international charities and organizations that focused on those in need and underserved among us. Bob was also a volunteer in his later years at the local soup kitchen.

Described as a loving and devoted husband and father by his family; he will be remembered for his kindness, patience, sense of humor and deep conviction to his Catholic Faith. His zest for life will remain in the hearts of his loving family and many friends. To all those who knew him, Bob is remembered by his famous Irish toast: “May you have beef steak when you’re hungry; whiskey when you’re dry; money when you need it, and heaven when you die.”

He is preceded in death by Catherine his wife of over 52 years, his parents and his five siblings. He is survived by his five loving children; Michael Clark and his wife, Sheree, Daniel Clark, Timothy Clark and his wife, Michelle, Elisa Clark Arrigo and her husband, Thomas, Merrie Clark Surace; eleven adoring grandchildren, Ryan, Tahnee, Daniel, Jeremy, Cody, Kimberly, Jennifer, Ian, Caitlin, Phillip, Gino; four cute great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Emily, Alexis and Gracelyn; a caring first cousin, Sally LeCastre and a caring sister-in-law, Mildred Palermo.

Memorials may be made to the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, 420 E Fee Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901.

A viewing will be held at Florida Memorial Gardens, 5950 US Hwy 1 in Rockledge, FL from 6-9 P.M. with a prayer service 7:30-8P.M. on Friday, July 31st. There will be a funeral mass 10 A.M. on Saturday, August 1st at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1626 Oak St. in Melbourne, FL 32901.