Joseph Matthew Clark

May 8, 1942 - June 21, 2023

Raleigh, North Carolina

Joseph Matthew Clark died peacefully the afternoon of June 21, 2023. Joe battled heart disease for decades but was resilient through every crisis. After his latest episode in April 2023, Joe set a goal to watch the NFL Draft, celebrate his 81st birthday and his 50th wedding anniversary. Happily, Joe met every goal he set out to accomplish. He even celebrated one more Father’s Day.

Joe was a consummate sports fan. He loved the New York Yankees. He wanted to see the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs and was lucky enough to attend the NHL Eastern Conference Semifinals Hurricanes game in Raleigh on May 11th. His sports obsession included attending any and all of the grandchildren’s sporting events in Arizona and North Carolina.

Joe never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with anyone. He was amazing like that. He would always lend an ear to anyone that needed to talk and a true friend to many. Joe carried a positive attitude and gratitude for the life he lived. He lived and breathed anything sports. His true passion and love was his family. He often proclaimed his best moments in life were when all his family, kids and grandkids were together.

Joe served honorably in the U.S. Army as a SP4 E4 1964-1966. Joe was employed by Burroughs Wellcome for 28 years, first in finance and then as fleet manager. He moved on to Qualex, a Kodak company, as fleet manager. His time, energy and leadership led to being an active member of the National Fleet Management Association, spearheading the formation of the Carolinas Chapter, which split from the Atlanta Chapter.

Joe is survived by his wife, Charleen Voeker Clark; four children: Stephanie (Patrick Lewis), Annemarie (Curry Phillips), Patrick (Danielle), Kevin (Sofia Schramm); and seven grandchildren: Nathan and Andrew Lewis; Ava and Camryn Phillips; Ryan, Emma and Tyler Clark.

Joseph Clark will be dearly missed by anyone who knew and loved him.

The Funeral Mass will be offered on Monday, July 24, 2023, at 1:00 pm at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Family will receive guests in the church atrium one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Catholic Charities (https://www.catholiccharitiesraleigh.org/donate/).