John Kenneth Clarke

With profound sadness and immense love we announce the passing of John Kenneth Clarke, cherished husband, father, Papa, brother, cousin and uncle to dozens of beloved nieces and nephews, on June 29. His joyful spirit, 24/7 smile and generosity were second only to his love for his wife, Susan (née Donahue) and kids Johnny (Ann-Marie), Carolyn (Ben Coblentz) and Kelly (Pat Donlea), grandchildren Tyler, Kelsey, Ian, Sidney, Josephine, Brian, Megan, Shane, Elise, Jack, Macey Mae and 1 great-grandchild, Riley.

John was a man who knew what he loved, and how to enjoy it. These things were: his family, food, friends, music, Lake Geneva, and vehicles of all kinds. He was as handy a man as there ever was, and in his lifetime built and restored dozens of antique cars, boats and bikes.

John was a 50-year gold card member of Stagehands Local 2 and crewed ABC-TV for decades where he earned a stellar reputation handling production, often for legendary host, Janet Davies. John worked at musical and theater venues throughout Chicago, with great appreciation for the musical performances (and local beef and hot dog stands on nearby corners). 

John was preceded in death by his parents John and Florence Clarke (nee Heise) and survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and siblings Gwen (Larry Breen), Vincent (Sandra) and Adrienne (Dave Berton). We invite all who knew him to celebrate his remarkable life and the indelible mark he left on our hearts on Friday, July 5th, 3:00 - 8:00 PM at The Oaks Funeral Home 1201 E. Irving Park Road (at Prospect), Itasca. Family and friends will meet at Saint Philip the Apostle Church 1223 W Holtz Ave, Addison on Saturday, July 6th, 10:00 AM for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment private. In lieu of flowers donations to Mount St. Joseph Association, mtstja.com would be appreciated. For funeral info: 630-250-8588 or oaksfh.com