Donald T. "Ted" Clarke

Ted was born in Syracuse on Sept. 7, 1934 the son of Reginald and Marie (Short) Clarke. He grew up in Syracuse and was a graduate of the Eastwood High School. Deciding to further his education, Ted attended SUNY Cortland and graduated with a degree in Physical Education. Following his education he began his career by gaining employment first with the Syracuse YMCA and then onto the Binghamton YMCA where he remained for 10 years as their Athletic Director. In 1972, Ted came to Norwich where he joined the Norwich YMCA serving as their Executive Director until his retirement in 1988. Not a man to sit idle, Ted began driving bus for the Otselic Valley School District for several years.

It goes without saying that Ted was all about sports with the SU Basketball Team being his favorite. He was also amazed at the world of technology. He loved playing card games on the computer, especially the game of hearts, where he would spend hours at the keyboard. The fact that you could sit next to him and send a picture from your cell phone to his computer facinated him.

In his “down time” Ted enjoyed working around the outside of his home taking care of the lawn and flowers which he watered faithfully everyday.

Ted is survived by his wife Donna Anthony Clarke of Norwich, his children Kim Elizabeth Little of Charleston, SC, Donald (Ted) Clarke II, Brandon M. Clarke and wife Maureen all of Norwich, his step-children Victoria Hobgood and husband Sterling of Durham, NC, Theodora Brown and husband David of Canadensis, PA, Peggy Jo Graves and husband Steven of GA and Paige Ingham of New Berlin. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, his former wife Ginny Clarke of Norwich along with several nieces and nephews.

Ted was predeceased by his sister Alice Fehlman and brothers Jim and Jay Clarke.

A celebration of Ted’s life will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 11:00 am from the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home. Following the service the family will greet friends from 12:00 - 2:00 pm at the Norwich Family YMCA where a lite lunch will be served.