John O' Brien Clarke Jr.

John O’Brien Clarke Jr., age 82, died on June 4, 2026, in Charlottesville, Virginia. John was a partner in the law firm of Highsaw, Mahoney & Clarke from 1978 until he retired in 2020. He represented employee interests in railroad and airline unions, argued before federal and state trial and appellate courts, and tried five cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.

John was born in Brooklyn, NY on August 23,1943 and grew up in Rockaway Beach, NY. He attended Mount Saint Mary’s University and was inducted into its Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in track (including 1:53 half mile). He earned his law degree from Georgetown Law School, where he was on Law Review; he then completed a master’s degree in criminal law from Northwestern University. He served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia from 1969 to 1974, after which he became an associate in the law firm of Highsaw & Mahoney.

Outside his law office, John was an avid reader and history scholar. He was active in the local Boy Scout Troop, was president of the Fairfax Swimming Pool, and served as Chairman of the City of Fairfax Board of Zoning Appeals from 2010-2017. John and his wife, Sharon, enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Europe. However, their favorite times were those spent with their children, grandchildren and extended family.

John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sharon L. (McKenna) Clarke; three children: Dr. John Clarke, married to Dr. Michelle Estrella, Burlingame, CA; Timothy Clarke, NYC; Dr. Emily (Clarke) McGowan, married to Dr. James McGowan, Charlottesville, VA; six grandchildren, five siblings and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor in Washington DC or Saint Judes Research Hospital for Children.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, August 15, at 12:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary, 1214 Crozet Avenue, Crozet, Virginia 22932.

A luncheon will follow at Restoration, 5494 Golf Drive, Crozet, Virginia 22932.