Thomas P. Clarke

Mr. Thomas P. 'Bubba' Clarke, of Watertown, formerly of Arlington, died Monday, June 30, 2008 in Lahey Clinic, Burlington. He was 72. Born in Boston, a son of the late Thomas P. and Alice (McSweeney) Clarke, Tom lived in Arlington for over 30 years before moving to Watertown 10 years ago. He was a 1953 graduate of Mission High School in Roxbury and Northeastern University, class of 1958 where he played varsity football from 1955-57 and varsity baseball from 1956-58. Until his retirement in 1997, he taught American History at Medford High School for thirty-three years. He taught, and was the head coach, for Mission High football and basketball teams from 1958-1962. He also taught and was a football coach at Danvers High School from 1962-1966 and a football coach at Medford High School from 1966-1970. Tom was a member of the Belmont Tennis Club, Massachusetts and Medford Teachers' Associations. Tommy was a gifted athlete. When the cheering stopped, he committed himself to teaching history and influencing those he taught. He loved his tennis every Friday; reading history, the New Yorker and the New Republic; F.D.R. and the New Deal; the companionship of his tennis friends and the Guys from the Hill. Everyone who knew him was touched by his thoughtfulness, his consideration, kindness and gentleness. He made all those around him a little better person. He was one of a kind because he saw us as we ought to be. He was an idealist. He leaves his wife, Carol (Coyne) Clarke of Arlington; three brothers, James Clarke of Revere, Stephen Clarke of Watertown, John Clarke and his wife, Rose, of Worcester; two sisters, Joan Berardi of Watertown and Margaret Colwell of Waltham; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Paul Coyne of California and Priscilla Peterson of Virginia. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 8, from The Joyce Funeral Home 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham followed by a Funeral Mass in The Church of Saint Patrick, 212 Main Street, Watertown, at 9:00 a.m. Burial will be in Ridgelawn Cemetery. Visiting hours are 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials in Tom's name may be made to Mission Church, Restoration Fund, 1545 Tremont Street, Roxbury, MA 02120.