Obituary of Chester W. Clark, Jr

Chester "Chet" W. Clark, Jr., 87, of Bunny Lane, Brooklyn, CT, died peacefully at home on December 18th in the arms of his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Therese (Godbout). Chet will always be known for the joy he brought to everyone he met. The son of the late Chester and Emma (Marion) Clark, he attended Plainfield High School, in Plainfield, CT. On April 27, 1943 he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served during World War II until November 10, 1945. As a third class petty officer aboard the destroyer USS Hansen, he served to protect shipping lanes in Newfoundland, Iceland, England, Africa and Gibraltar. He also served in the European Theater Campaign and was involved in the Battle of Normandy. Stateside, he attended gunnery schools in Washington, DC and Pontiac, Michigan. After the war Mr. Clark worked for Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company. He then began work for the John Hancock Life Insurance Company as an Insurance Representative, where he stayed for 37 years. During his tenure with John Hancock he completed numerous courses and received many certificates and awards for salesmanship. After retiring, he enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling with his wife and he became an avid golfer. He especially cherished every moment he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. Clark was a communicant of St. James Church in Danielson and was a member of the Killingly-Brooklyn Memorial Post 2650 V.F.W. Besides he wife, Mr. Clark is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Brian Clark and Margaret (Duhnkrack) of Stamford, CT, daughter and son-in-law Suzanne (Clark) and James Combs of Brooklyn, CT, and daughter and son-in-law Carol Anne (Clark) and Thomas Pahl of Ocracoke, North Carolina; one sister, Barbara Donahue of Central Village, CT, four brothers, Alan Clark of Brooklyn, CT, Richard Clark of Moosup, CT, Ralph Clark of Danielson, CT and Douglas Clark of Brooklyn, CT; eight grandchildren, Odena, Kristine, Renee, Kari, Samuel, Ryan, Ellen, Emma; nine great-grandchildren, Hannah, Benjamin, Bethany, Kadyn, Daniel, Karley, Hayley, Willow and Logan; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mr. Clark was predeceased by three siblings, Russell Clark, Robert Clark and Beverly Pomroy. Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 22, at 10:30 AM from the Gagnon-Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds Street, Danielson with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:15 AM at St. James Church, 12 Franklin Street, Danielson. Burial with military honors will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Calling hours are Tuesday, December 21, 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. James School, 120 Water St., Danielson, 06239. To share a memory with his family, Light a Candle at www.gagnonandcostellofh.com