Ronald Arthur Clark

Ronnie Clark was a wonderful and loving husband and father who passed peacefully surrounded by his wife, Linda, and his three children, Kevin, Brian and Lauren.

He is survived by his wife Linda, his children and their wives, Kevin and Asia, Brian and Melissa, and his daughter Lauren. Also, his siblings Karen and Gregg, Bobby and Connie, Richie and Wendy, Tommy and Diane, John and Megan, and Anthony and Nancy. Grandsons, Brian, Jack and Bentley and his nieces and nephews, Anthony, Michael, Abby and Millie.

Early Life

He was born in Queens, New York to Kathleen, who was recently widowed. Ron never knew his father, Arthur, who died on a transport ship during World War II.

Ronnie grew up with his two older brothers, Bobby and Richie, and his younger sister, Karen. They lived in a small apartment in Glendale, Queens, NY. He attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and Richmond Hill High School. Although far from rich, they were a loving family. Ron became an altar boy who had a beautiful voice. The nuns would make him sing "I Believe" and they would well-up because he sounded like an angel.

Family Life

Ron was married to his adoring wife for almost 50 years. When they were first married, they lived in Massapequa, New York and moved to Lakewood Ranch, Florida in 2001.

In his early twenties, Ronnie had two wonderful sons, Kevin and Brian, then when he was in his forties, he had his princess, Lauren. He adored his children who were the center of his world. His eyes would light up whenever any of them would enter a room. He was always kind, patient and loving with each one of them, and it was his joy to teach them everything he knew.

There are many words that describe Ronnie. Devoted husband, loving father, master carpenter, inventor, railroad conductor, exceptional family man, loyal friend and just an all-around wonderful human being.

He had "hands of gold." Linda would show him pictures of furniture that she saw in a magazine and he would be thrilled to recreate it for her. He could build anything and he taught all three children how to build furniture, renovate kitchens and be mechanically creative. The boys now have businesses of their own, using the talents their Dad gave them, and Lauren never hesitates to put together furniture or make a household repair.

Career and Personal Pursuits

Ron always had more than one job. He was dedicated to providing for his family. He was a Long Island Railroad conductor and a master carpenter who took as many side jobs as possible. When he was 50 years old, he was able to retire from the railroad. Continuing to do double duty, he would now spend his days bring up Lauren, while opening and operating his Custom Deck business with Kevin and Brian.

Character

Ronnie was a humble and unassuming man. He never thought that his talents were anything exceptional, but they were. He was one of the few people who actually received a patent. The man who spent his life trying to make everyone's better invented Extend-A-Snap because his wife complained that she would break her nails while putting on their boat's canvass. This became a family affair. After making the prototype at the dining room table, he partnered with his cousin Carl to get the business off the ground. Linda was the cheerleader, and the boys helped him make them in the garage. Eventually, Extend-A-Snap was sold at the West Marine Stores. Not too shabby.

He was a warm and loving person who lit up a room with his smile. He gave the best hugs and knew how to make everyone feel loved. He had the greatest laugh and was entertained by everyone's antics. Ronnie was the best audience anyone could want. When he laughed, you couldn't help but join in, because his laughter started in his eyes and came from his soul.

Ron was a quiet man and Linda was the exact opposite. That's why they were such a fantastic team. Linda would always say that she was the floor show and he was her audience.

His final moments on this earth were spent with his wife and children holding him and letting him know how he was their guiding star and that he will be terribly missed.

Visitation for Ronald will be held Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Saint Martha Catholic Church, 200 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 with cremation to follow.