Joseph Hopkins Clark, 84, passed away peacefully on June 10th at his home in Vero Beach with his family by his side. The son of Alda Hopkins Clark and James Clark, Joe was born in Ellicott City, Maryland on February 26, 1927. He was also a descendent of the Ellicott Brothers, founders of Ellicott City, and of the Johns Hopkins family, the benefactor of Johns Hopkins Hospital and University. He was confirmed at St. Johns Episcopal Church of Ellicott City, Maryland in 1941 and maintained his membership there as well as at the St. Augustine Episcopal Church of Vero Beach, Florida. He first arrived in Vero Beach in 1943 and lived and worked here during his early adult years. Even though he returned to Maryland he always maintained his connection with Vero Beach until he returned permanently in the late 90s. He was a man of many talents who was a holder of several international patents, a sailor, carpenter, mechanic, private pilot, salesman, brother, and a devoted husband, father and grandfather to his wife of over 55 years, Ginger, to his son Drew and his wife Gail of Howard County, Maryland and to his daughter, Scottie Campbell and her husband Lewis of Vero Beach, and to Drew and Gails children, Joseph, Olivia and Robert Clark. Following his graduation from McDonogh School in Baltimore, Maryland he enrolled in the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY and was assigned to the Army Transport Service during World War II. He made five transatlantic crossings carrying troops to and from the European theater. After the war ended, he completed his education at the University of Florida, Gainesville. He was a member of the Engineering Society of Baltimore, the Water Pollution Control Federation, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the Howard County Antique Farm Machinery Club and the Moorings Club. He was a founding member of the Howard County Conservancy, the Howard County Historical Society and Historic Ellicott City Inc. Joe had the unique ability to relate to and be comfortable with people of all walks of life. He was admired, respected and loved by all who knew him. A memorial service in his honor will be held at the St. Augustine Episcopal Church, 475 43rd Avenue, Vero Beach, on Saturday, June 18th at 11 AM, followed by a luncheon at 120 44th Terrace SW, Vero Beach. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Howard County Antique Farm Machinery Club Inc., P. O. Box 335, West Friendship, MD, 21794.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach, Florida. Condolences may be sent through www.coxgiffordseawinds.com