Ronald "Chuck" Clarke's Obituary
A life well lived is defined by the moments we create, the memories we cherish and the love that we share. Chuck Clarke exemplified this and set the bar on how to live life to the fullest.
Born in Staten Island, N.Y. on August 22, 1928, he moved to New Jersey where he began his career as a race car driver. In 1947, he took his racing to South Florida and added stunt man to his resume, going by the alias “Dynamite Jack”.
With his love for the ocean, it was a natural step to obtain his captains license and he became an avid diver and spear fisherman.
From the sea, he took to the skies and obtained his pilots license for single engine planes.
In the early 1950’s, he embarked on a career as a firefighter for the city of Miami. Notably, he was the first of 25 men in the United States to become a paramedic.
In 1979, he retired from the fire department but wasn’t finished fulfilling his dreams. He began pursuing his artistic talents, notably oil paintings, with some of his paintings displayed in museums and on the jackets of several magazines.
In the 1980’s, with a known talent for craftsmanship and building, he became a draftsman for an aircraft equipment company. He built his own home and several boats. He also volunteered to hand carve “The Stations of the Cross” for St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Miami.
Far greater than any career or hobby was his love for family and his beloved Janet. The love and devotion Chuck and Janet enjoyed through almost 42 years of marriage is the kind depicted on a movie screen. And so, as the actress Mae West once said, “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough”.
Chuck showed us that by the life he lived.
He is survived by his wife, Janet, daughter and son, 4 stepchildren, 10 grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cornerstone Hospice, Tavares, FL
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on the tribute wall.
Services have been entrusted to Hamlin and Hilbish Funeral Directors, Eustis.
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