L. Ward Clarke

L. Ward Clarke of Wading River, NY, formerly of Mount Sinai, NY, passed away on April 29, 2026, at the age of 93. Born on July 16, 1932, in Port Jefferson, NY, Ward led a life filled with family, faith, service, and a deep love for the outdoors.

Ward was the beloved husband of 40 years to Jeanne Clarke, whom he married in 1985. He was the loving father of Sharon Clarke, Susan Clarke, Patti Marshall (Steve), Betsy Clarke, and Amy Clarke Whitney (Ray). He cherished his grandchildren Taylor Marshall, Adam Marshall, Clare Marshall, Atlas Marshall, Lucas Marshall, Julia Whitney, and Erin Whitney, and was a devoted great-grandfather to Luke Whitney, Caroline Marshall, and Maya Marshall. Ward is survived by his brother, Dick Clarke (Barbara), and was predeceased by his first wife, Eleanor Taylor, to whom he was married from 1958 to 1983.

Ward had a lifelong passion for gardening and landscaping. His vegetable and floral gardens were a labor of love, producing apples, peaches, pears, tomatoes, blueberries, and more. His orchard was the centerpiece of many cherished traditions, including cider parties and generous donations of extra harvest to the local food pantry.

An adventurous spirit, Ward and Jeanne traveled extensively, visiting Europe, the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu, Argentina, and Cape Horn. Ward was a devoted parishioner of Infant Jesus RC Church in Port Jefferson, where his faith began as an altar boy and continued throughout his life.

Ward was also a dedicated Rotarian, serving in the Port Jefferson Rotary Club for nearly 60 years, earning the distinction of Paul Harris Fellow. His service extended to the Mount Sinai Fire Department for approximately 20 years, including a tenure as Commissioner.

Athletic throughout his youth, Ward played baseball and basketball at the all-Suffolk level in high school though he continued to play in college. As a high school senior, he was selected for the Regional All-Star Baseball Team sponsored by the Brooklyn Eagle Newspaper, playing at Ebbets Field and later, in college, he was inducted into the Mount St. Mary’s College Hall of Fame for baseball.

In addition, Ward devoted more than 40 years to his career as a dentist, serving generations of families in his hometown of Port Jefferson, New York.

Ward’s family, friends, faith, and community were at the heart of his life. He will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, and unwavering dedication to those he loved.

A visitation for Ward will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 2–4 PM and 7–9 PM at O.B. Davis Funeral Homes, 4839 Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 10 AM at the Infant Jesus Chapel at St. Charles, 200 Belle Terre Road, Port Jefferson, NY 11777, with committal service and interment to follow at St. James Cemetery, 429 Route 25A, Setauket, NY 11733.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in loving memory of Ward to either Good Shepherd Hospice Foundation, Development Department, 110 Bi-County Blvd., Suite 114, Farmingdale, NY 11735 or the Rotary Club of Port Jefferson, P.O. Box 461, Port Jefferson, NY 11777.