Joseph Clark

     Joseph Clark was born October 17, 1936, in Bronx, New York. Preceded in death, Big Joe departed this life to join his parents Norman B. Clark, his mom Lillian Brown (Clark), stepmother Francis Clark, his former wife Gloria Clark, siblings Oscar Clark, Robert Clark, Norman Clark, son Joseph Clark Jr. and daughter Diane Clark.  

Joseph met his former wife Gloria in the early 50’s and it was love at first sight.  He and his brother Norman often double dated, hitting the streets of Harlem with what would soon be both of their wives.  Soon after marriage Big Joe and Gloria bought their forever home in Jamaica, Queens where they were blessed with six children, Diane, Joseph, Reginald, Gloria, Maurice, and Samantha. 

In the early 90’s Joseph met his former wife, Sharon Hughes (Clark) and was blessed with his youngest son, Reid Clark.     

For the last 20 years he has shared many moments with his partner Dolores Bedford, whether it was going on a trip, to a reunion or just being in each other’s company. 

            While in Junior High School Joseph earned a diploma certification for exhibiting scholarship and citizenship, after which he attended The Commerce High School.  He decided to change paths and obtained a Certificate of Achievement in Bookkeeping and Accounting.  While working for Rudban Coats, as a clerk for over ten years he realized office work was not his forte and attended school in the evenings where he obtained his High School Equivalency.  This was the one thing that separated him from pursing his passion to be a New York City Transit Officer.  In 1966 he graduated from the New York Transit Police Academy. He proudly wore his uniform retiring after 20 years of service.  Still wanting to give of himself he decided to take a position as a Loss Prevention Officer at Tiffany & Company where he later retired. 

            Joseph was an advent reader, supporter of black businesses and if you didn’t know, his favorite past times were looking at old western movies, watching boxing, listening to old school music, and fishing. 

            Big Joe, Uncle Joe or to some just Joe, he will forever be remembered.  Whether you remember him as your protector, your confidant, your buddy, your uncle, your friend, your grandpa, or your dad, there is one common thread we all share.  That is at some point and time he touched your life in a special way.   He leaves to cherish his memories, his former wife Sharon Hughes Clark, sons Reginald Clark, Maurice Clark and Reid Clark, his daughters Gloria Clark and Samantha Smith. Two stepbrothers Paul Tyler, and Richard White, two stepsisters, Brenda Smyer and Carolyn Townsend a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, great niece, nephew, great nephews, cousins, and close friends.

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