Dennis Clark

It is with both deep gratitude and profound sorrow we announce the passing of Dennis Joseph Clark. Dennis passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026, at the age of 85. Dennis was born on August 11, 1940, in New York, New York.

His greatest joy was his family. Dennis shared 59 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Joan Clark, building a life rooted in love, commitment, and unwavering support for one another. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Terese Clark; his sister, Barbara Clark of Flushing, New York; his beloved granddaughter, Megan Schrantz; and his grandson, Benjamin Clark.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joan Clark, and their three children: Kathleen Clark Schrantz (Paul) of Germantown, Maryland, and their children, Hannah Schrantz Arner (Kirk), Samuel Schrantz, Mackenzie Schrantz, and Sophie Schrantz; Timothy Clark (Denise) of Gaithersburg, Maryland, and their children, Phoebe Clark Zerwitz (Luke) and Aidan Clark; and Colleen Clark Casaus (Eugene) of Wilmington, North Carolina, and their children, Ava Casaus and Gabrielle Casaus.

Dennis was an innovative, curious, and compassionate man whose life reflected the values of hard work, service, and generosity. Raised in humble circumstances with the love and encouragement of his parents and sister, Dennis excelled academically and earned acceptance to Stuyvesant High School, one of New York City's most prestigious college preparatory schools. Following graduation, he received a full scholarship to The City College of New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.

Inspired by President John F. Kennedy's inaugural challenge to "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country," Dennis answered the call to public service. That calling brought him to Washington, D.C., where he devoted 42 years to the United States Navy at the David Taylor Model Basin. Beginning his career as an entry-level engineer, Dennis rose to become the Strategic Planner, helping envision the future of the Navy's fleet.

Dennis's commitment to serving others extended well beyond his professional career. Alongside Joan, he became an active and devoted member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Dennis also dedicated countless hours to civic and charitable service. Whether volunteering with his children's swim team, serving as an elected member of the Montgomery Village Foundation Board of Directors or a volunteer at the Newseum he believed deeply in giving back to his community.

Those who knew Dennis will remember his remarkable intellect, gentle spirit, unwavering integrity, and genuine kindness. He was a patient mentor, a thoughtful listener, and a steadfast friend. Above all, he loved his family deeply and took immense pride in watching his children and grandchildren grow and flourish. His legacy lives on in their lives and in the countless people whose lives he touched through his generosity, wisdom, and faith. Truly a life well lived!

A celebration of Dennis's life will be held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Gaithersburg MD on Friday, July 31, 2026. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Mass at 10:00 a.m. A reception will be held immediately afterward. For those that cannot attend in person, the mass will be live streamed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to SOME (So Others Might Eat), whose mission of serving those in need in Washington, D.C., reflects Dennis's lifelong commitment to helping others.