Thomas Lowe Clarke

On the morning of April 18, 2026, Thomas L. Clarke left this world the same way he lived in it—quietly, gently, and surrounded by love. To those who knew him, Tom was the steady center of the room: thoughtful, kind, patient, and always ready to help solve a problem, whether it involved a stubborn equation, a broken appliance, or a moment when someone simply needed a calm voice.

Born in Miami and a graduate of North Miami High School (1966), he built a life defined by curiosity, intellect, and service.

After his sophomore year at Harvard College, he served in the United States Army, including a tour in Vietnam, an experience that spoke to his sense of duty and helped shape his quiet resilience.

After returning home, Tom pursued his education that would become the foundation of his life’s work. He completed his B.S. from Florida International University (1973), his M.S. from the University of Virginia (1975), and his Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the University of Miami (1982).

His early work with NOAA in the Ocean Acoustics Division introduced him to the power of mathematical modeling in understanding complex natural systems.

Tom then spent more than two decades at the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Simulation & Training, where he served as a Principal Mathematician and Research Professor. His research explored nonlinear dynamics, catastrophe theory, complex systems, and the “edge of chaos” — areas where mathematics meets human behavior, technology, and unpredictability. He contributed to advances in modeling and simulation, sensor fusion, crowd dynamics, and machine learning, and he authored and co-authored work that continues to be cited today. Yet despite the sophistication of his research, Tom had a rare gift: he could make difficult ideas understandable. Students and colleagues alike remembered him as patient, generous with his time, and quietly brilliant.

Outside of work, Tom’s mind was always in motion. He was an avid reader, a lover of astronomy, and a skilled woodworker who found joy in creating things with his hands. Whether he was studying the stars, shaping wood into furniture, or diving into a new book, he approached everything with the same curiosity and calm precision that defined his life.

Tom’s greatest devotion, though, was always to his family. He and his wife, Helen, would have celebrated 53 years of marriage in just two weeks. Their life together was built on partnership, humor, and unwavering loyalty. He was immensely proud of his daughters — Jocelyn Clarke, and Rebecca Devor and her husband David — and he more than adored his grandchildren Liam, Ellis, and Jenna, who brought him endless joy.

He was preceded in death by his father Lucien Clarke, his mother Hilda Manguba, and his sister Marilynne Manguba. He is survived by his brother Ronald Manguba.

He is also preceded in death by his sister-in-law Irene Culmo and survived by his sister-in-law Nancy Brice and brother-in-law Jack Mannion, Jack’s wife Cathie, and their daughters Hannah and Tressa; along with extended family who loved him deeply.

Tom’s quiet generosity, sharp mind, and gentle presence will be felt in their lives forever.

A private interment will take place at the Bushnell Florida National Cemetery. A Remembrance Gathering will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 4–6 p.m. at Tom and Helen’s home in Oviedo, where family and friends will share stories, laughter, and the deep gratitude of having known Tom.

Tom’s life was one of kindness, integrity, curiosity, and most importantly -- love — a life that made the world steadier for everyone fortunate enough to share it.