Obituaries
Joseph Clarke Jr.
September 18, 1951 - September 22, 2019
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VISITATION
October 5, 2019 | 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. -
Yurs Funeral Home
405 E. Main Street
St. Charles, Illinois 60174 - Memorial Service
- October 5, 2019 | 3:00 P.M.
-
Yurs Funeral Home
405 E. Main Street
St. Charles, Illinois 60174 -
Burial Location
Private
Joseph Clarke Jr. died on September 22, 2019 from complications of metastatic prostate cancer. He died in his St. Charles home surrounded by his loving family. Joe was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and dear friend to many.
The son of Joseph and Irene Clarke, Joe was born on September 18, 1951, in Youngstown, Ohio. He married his first wife Eileen (O’Neill) on May 5th, 1973 and together they had four children, Joe, Bridgette, Colleen, and Jay. Joe was predeceased by his daughter, Bridgette, 25 minutes after her birth on March 2nd, 1978. Joe and Eileen were married for 23 years. Later Joe met his current wife, Colleen (Lynch), from the screen-print industry. They married in 1999 and Joe gained two step-sons, William and Ryan. They were married 20 years this past July.
Shortly after graduating from high school, Joe found his lifetime passion and began a career in the screen-print industry by opening a textile print shop, Clarke’s Silk Screen. From there Joe’s passion led him into the supply side of the business. His unique approach to problem solving and technical savvy opened many doors for Joe. He became a regular on the seminar circuit, authored hundreds of technical articles, published the first book on textile four-color process printing, Control Without Confusion and has several industry patents. In addition to owning, Clarke’s Silk Screen, Joe has held prestigious positions such as Vice President of Flexible Products and President of M&R Printing Equipment and consulted for numerous textile, graphic and industrial companies world-wide. In 1990, Joe was inducted into the Academy of Screen Print Technology and is widely considered a guru of screen printing technology. In 2007, Joe founded and served as president /owner of Clarke Product Renovation, a family business where he got to work alongside multiple family members over the 12 years of business.
Joe was a kind and generous man with an optimistic outlook on life. His lifetime pursuit of knowledge always gave him an edge in industry and made him an interesting conversationalist. It seemed no matter what the subject Joe would say “I know a little bit about that,” and you could bet he knew more than a little bit. In his spare time he enjoyed riding his bike, going to movies, and he loved to read and frequent bookstores. But in many cases, Joe’s spare time was spent working on screen printing puzzles that he was passionate about. No matter whether it was with his family, at home in his community, or in his beloved screen-print industry, what Joe will be most remembered for was his contagious smile, optimistic outlook and the way he treated people. Whether you went to work in an Armani suit, jeans, or coveralls, he treated everyone he met with the utmost respect and kindness.
Joe was survived by his wife Colleen and his first wife Eileen; children Joe (Teresa), Colleen, and Jay (Laura); stepsons William (Mindy) and Ryan (Kathy); grandchildren Brendan, Will, Cole, Ryan, Ryder, Dylan, Riley, Lily, and Rogan; brother Bob (Laurie), and sisters Elaine (Dan) and Susan (Randy); and many dear nieces and nephews.
(Please Note the Time Has Been Changed From the Original Post) A Memorial Visitation will be 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. Saturday, October 5, 2019 at Yurs Funeral 405 E. Main Street, St. Charles, Illinois 60174. A Celebration of Life will follow the visitation at 3:00 P.M. at Yurs Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
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Dennis from Brooklyn, NY
"I will miss you Joe, you were more than just friend but like a father to me."
Randy and Susan Brayer from North Canton, OH
"What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul. Randy and I will cherish all of our memories of Joe, from growing up with him as an awesome big brother to being friends, once we were all the same age! Our heartfelt sympathy to each of you who loved him and will miss him terribly. Rest In Peace Joe until we meet again."
Jeff Proctor from Canton, GA
"I am saddened to hear of Joe's passing and send my condolences go to the entire Clarke family. I owe so much to Joe because he took a chance and gave me a start at Flexible Products.Joe thought further outside the box than anyone I have ever known. My fondest memory is when Joe would have a late flight back to Georgia. After many cups of coffee he would come into my office the first thing in the morning and throw a multitude of Delta Airline napkins on my desk. He would then proceed to rearrange them into a particular order similar to someone rearranging letters and words in Scrabble game. When he finished the napkins were a diagram complete with notes of a machine that Joe wanted to build. This is where the idea for the Auto-Stik automatic adhesive dispenser that he invented came from.He will be missed by family, friends and the entire screen printing industry."
MARSHALL ATKINSON from MESA, AZ
"Joe always had an encouraging word, a friendly suggestion, and was able to offer advice to anyone that needed it. He was a lot of fun, and I was happy to know him. Best wishes to Joe's family, friends, and loved ones."
Richard from Gargana, OH
"A great man who was part of an amazing, loving family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him."
Christine Tyrrell from Collingswood, NJ
"My deepest sympathies to Joe's family"
Jon Simonson from HADDONFIELD, NJ
"Although often a cliche', Joe was truly "one of a kind." Highly intelligent, fun and charming. His ever present enthusiasm and zest for life was infectious. Joe played a significant role in transforming the often described primitive method of "silk screen printing" into a far more sophisticated and respected process. His innovations and contributions made him a legend within the Screen Printing Industry."
Steve Vanderburg from Albemarle , NC
"Great friend and coworker. Positive influence and consummate professional, Prayers go out to friends and family."
Paul O’Neill from Fort Myers , FL
"Sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. I remember the early days helping him get started in the screen printing business in his cellar. He will be missed."
Alan Howe from Davison , MI
"My thoughts and prayers are with Colleen and the family. 33 yrs of knowing Joe , he was a teacher, mentor, and Friend . When I started writing and speaking in the industry he was so encouraging, later this past year I was honored to be included into the ASDPT ( Academey of screen and digital print technology) and have my name included with Joe and others . When he called to congratulate me his conversation was Priceless while talking with me told me how proud and honored he was to have me part of ASDPT, will never forget that."
Tom Manche from Nashville, TN
"Very sad to hear of Joe's passing. We first met playing Little League in Youngstown, Ohio, and I'm happy that we reconnected this year. Joe was always charming and funny, definitely one of the good guys--taken way to soon."
John Wilhelmsen from Tucson, AZ
"Joe always treated me like a friend. He was very comfortable to talk to, abiut screen printing, family or baseball."
Dan Klingensmith from Youngstown, OH
"My heart goes out to Colleen and Clarke family. I know it is hard time, as my wife Cathy passed away one year before on the same day. There smiles will be missed. Joe got me started me in the crazy world of screen printing 47 years ago. He will always be remembered. If I can help with anything please let me know. My prayers are with you."
Peter von Volborth from Covington, KY
"Joe was a good friend and colleague and a great person to party with. I will truly miss him. God bless him and his family."
William and Maureen Kandray from Youngstown, OH
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Clarke Family...all my life 's a circle...as Harry Chapin would say... and we became part of that special Joe Clarke circle at Billy K's Gabriel's . May your good memories see you through this new journey . We have some wonderful ones of that time when we were just starting our businesses... from the music of Woodwork, family and friends gatherings , to helping with the screen printing."
Bob Maloney from Cleveland, OH
"I went to St. Christine's grade school and Ursuline High School with Joe. He was the funniest guy I have ever met. Joe would drive all the Nun's crazy while entertaining everyone with his jokes and artistic ability. I lost contact after my family moved to Cleveland in 1969... but have always thought of him. I still laugh whenever I think of Joe... great guy !! rmalon11a@aol.com"