Robert Arthur "Bob" Clark
Robert Arthur “Bob” Clark died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, and entered into the presence of his Lord on June 8, 2017. The son of the late Arthur W. and Louise (Arnold) Clark, he was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1939.
Robert was a Renaissance man; he pursued and excelled in numerous personal and professional activities during his long life. In 1961 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, then in 1966 he received his Doctor of Philosophy degree, also in chemistry, from the University of Maryland. He became an assistant professor of chemistry at Clarkson College of Technology before beginning his longtime service at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in 1972. A loyal and dedicated professor and administrator, Robert taught in RIT’s College of Continuing Education, Center for Imaging Science and College of Science. He was also a visiting scientist for Eastman Kodak Company and an instructor for Digital Equipment Corporation. In 1996, he became Dean of
the College of Science at RIT, continuing to earn the respect and admiration of the university’s faculty, staff and students. When he retired in 2001, he received an official Certificate of Appreciation from the Board of Trustees in honor of his dedication and accomplishments during his nearly three decades with the university.
Personal endeavors were no less a part of Robert’s life than academic and scientific ones. In addition to being a devoted husband and father, he was a meticulous woodworker and landscaper, an avid runner, and a persistent writer. He volunteered in numerous ways, through coaching and fundraising as well as education advocacy and participation in the Lions Club. Robert showed his love for people throughout his life, earning the high regard of those he met through his kind words and self-effacing humor, his genuine friendship, and his constant encouragement. At the heart of all of his efforts was his faith in Jesus Christ. He read his Bible daily, in addition to numerous theological works, and showed his religion through his patient service to others.
Fondly known to his family as Dad-o, Robert is survived by his wife, Diane Katherine (Statz) Clark; his children, Pamela Lynn Clark Chase, Andrew Leigh Clark and Jeffrey Robert Clark; his grandchildren, Benjamin, Andee-Sue, Miranda, Samantha and Joseph; and his sister, Phyllis (Clark) MacDonald.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Robert’s name to the Peaks Island Fund (http://www.peaksislandfund.org/) to support the island community he loved.
Online condolences may be expressed below.
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