Dr. Paul Clarke

Dr. Paul Alfred Clarke, 91, of Thurmont, MD died peacefully with family by his side on Monday, May 22, 2023, at Edenton Retirement Center in Frederick in his Assisted Living apartment where he resided since 2016.  Born in Baltimore on January 24, 1932, Paul is the son of the late Charles Clarke and Ambrosia, Mother Clarke, Derwart of Thurmont.  Paul grew up in a very large family of 7 brothers and 5 sisters and lived his youth in the close-knit community of Thurmont helping with the family business, Mountain Jerry’s Place, located in Thurmont.  Paul’s education included attending and graduating from Thurmont High School as the Senior Class President, a Bachelor’s Degree from Mount Saint Mary’s College (now University) in Emmitsburg, MD and a Doctoral Degree in Human Growth and Development received in 1961 from the University of Maryland.  He was an educator at three different Higher Education Institutions during his teaching career: Cortland State College in New York, Clarion State College in Pennsylvania, and Fairmont State College in West Virginia.   Paul was everything sports growing up playing baseball and basketball locally through High School and continuing successfully through his days at Mount Saint Mary’s College and during his enlistment in the Air Force.  In 2002, Paul was inducted into the Mount Saint Mary’s University Sports (Baseball) Hall of Fame of which he was very proud.  Upon his retirement from Fairmont State College, Paul returned to Thurmont where he became very involved in Youth Affairs founding the Catoctin Youth Council which eventually became the Catoctin Youth Association which is still active today.  Paul eventually retired again from the United States Postal Service and settled into a relaxed life with his wife Carolyn and began volunteering as a docent at the St. Elizabeth Seton Shrine in Emmitsburg for a long period of time.  He has published several Higher Education Textbooks and loved writing about his life and family.  During his later years, Paul enjoyed reading, writing, playing cards, yard work, and taking daily walks around the Thurmont Community Park before taking up residence in Frederick at the Edenton Retirement Center in 2016.  He looked forward to the Colorfest weekend in Thurmont because his family all gathered at the house, and he enjoyed spending quality time with all his children and grandchildren. 

He is predeceased by two spouses: Delores Anne Clarke (Martz) who passed away in 1970 and Carolyn Anne Clarke (Umbel) who passed away in 2016, 4 sisters, 7 brothers, and 3 nephews.  Paul is survived by three sons, Kevin Clarke and wife Jennifer of Washington, PA, Mark Clarke of Sutton, WV, Tim Clarke and wife Becky of Rocky Ridge; a daughter, Jennifer Wolfe and husband Elvin of Frederick; sibling, Rose Goff of Florida; 11 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate Paul’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home, 210 W. Main St., Emmitsburg, MD, with the Rev. Tim May officiating.  Interment will follow at Emmitsburg Memorial Cemetery where Paul will be interred in the family plot.  The family will receive friends from 10 am until the time of the service at the funeral home.

The family wishes to extend special thanks and recognition to the Staff and Administration of the Edenton Retirement Facility in Frederick.  Words or actions can not describe the absolute outstanding care, concern and compassion afforded to Paul while he was a resident at your facility especially during these last few weeks.  You are all angels in our eyes and Paul will take found memories of his experience at your facility to heaven.  We are eternally grateful.