John Paul Clarke passed away peacefully on Nov. 27 at the Baptist Health Lexington Hospital in Lexington, Ky., after a strong and courageous battle with ALS. John was 56-years-old when he died having been born on June 28,1963. He was the son of Joseph W. Clarke, Jr. and the late Marie Rabena Clarke. He is survived by his wife Suzanne Farmer Clarke; his children Hannah and Jack; his brothers Joseph (Jeannie), James (Lisa) and Jason (Debbie) and sister Maria Kolimago (John). John is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends.
John was raised in Haddon Township with summers in Sea Isle City. After he married, his family resided in Moorestown for many years before moving to Lexington a few years ago. He also had a summer home in Sea Isle City.
John was a prominent practicing attorney licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania with offices in Haddonfield, Cherry Hill and Sea Isle City. He was the owner of State Line Abstract Title Agency. He was a Graduate of Saint Joseph’s University and Western Michigan University Thomas Cooley Law School, Lansing, Michigan.
John loved life and was an avid golfer, fisherman, body surfer and skier. He enjoyed ice skating, was a nature lover and loved working on his homes, boats and bicycles. He coached many youth sports programs in Moorestown. He loved music and had a playlist he played on his eye recognition computer. He was a sports enthusiast, a true unwavering fan of Saint Joe’s, the Eagles, the Phillies, the Sixers and more recently Lexington Catholic, Kentucky and South Carolina. Over the years, he was known as the Big Kahuna (body surfing champ), King (home coming), best looking, coach, counselor at law, Johnny Boy, “the genuinely nicest person I ever met,” best friend, bartender (earlier summers at Fred’s), animal lover, “a true gentleman,” “ Bro” and on and on. In his younger years, he learned about fishing and boating working at Pier 88 in Townsend Inlet, and he enjoyed working the infield at the Kentucky Derby.
John was a long time member of the Townsend Inlet Yacht Club, Laurel Creek Country Club and member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Moorestown.
John had a fabulous sense of humor and a welcoming smile that said “you’re my friend.” He loved everyone, and everyone he came in contact with loved John. His father asked him recently, “Johnny, why does everybody love you so much?” His response was, “Pop, its because I love everybody.” He never ever complained about having ALS. He said “God has a plan. ” He said to his brother Jim, “Hey Bro, just roll with it.”
He fought as hard as he could, as said by Piera the head of research at Jefferson’s ALS clinic “with courage, dignity and resilience, always thinking of his children, siblings and family.” His children were his world. He was so proud of them. His goal was to see Hannah graduate and to see Jack play more lacrosse. He can’t now physically, but he’ll surely be there in spirit. The suffering is over. He’s body surfing above the clouds, running free, sipping some bourbon and is at peace and refreshed within the embrace of his mom in the presence of God. Like his mom, he sure “had a way about him.” Rest in peace, dearest Johnny, we love you, we miss you but we’ll see you soon. We can now add a new name for John: he is Saint John. If he’s not in heaven, we’re all in trouble.
There will be a visitation on Wednesday, Dec. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lewis Funeral Home located at 78 E. Main Street in Moorestown. A mass to celebrate John’s life will be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church located at 42 W. Main Street in Moorestown on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the ALS Association in John’s name.
Condolences may be left at www.lewisfuneralhomemoorestown.com
