Charles W. Clarke

Charles W. Clarke, 75, of Russell, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on November 21, 2022. Son of the late James and Dorothy (Spaulding) Clarke, he was born in Springfield on August 1, 1947. Charles proudly served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam Era. Charles earned his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Western New England College and went on to work as a director of sales for the Aerus Electrolux company for almost 40 years.

Charles was a passionate fan of all the professional New England sports teams. The Boston Bruins “The B’s” and the New England Patriots “The Pats” were his favorite teams to watch and he did so faithfully.

Charles loved to sing to classic rock songs. Bob Seger, The Cars, The Doobie Brothers, and Lynyrd Skynyrd were among his favorite bands.

Charles was an animal lover and was predeceased by his dog, Otto, whom he loved very much.

Charles was a great father, brother, and friend of many who had the opportunity to know him. He had two friends, Russell “Hugger” Hughes and Mitch “The Polack” Lata whom he loved like brothers.

Charles is survived by his daughter, Tammy L. Clarke and her fiancée Dawn Asselin of Russell, MA and his son, Thomas C. Clarke and his fiancée Alexandria Fiorentino of Indian Orchard. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Nicole Clarke, Cameron Clarke and Marissa Fiorentino also of Indian Orchard and his sister, Margaret Clarke and fiancée Joseph Lemieux of Ludlow.

Charles was a man of noble character. During his final years, this nobility was displayed daily as he navigated his life experiencing the disabilities associated with Lewy Body dementia.

Visiting hours for Charles will be Thursday, December 1, 2022 from 4:00-6:00 PM at the Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home, 64 Sewall St, Ludlow, MA.  Burial, with Military Honors, will be Monday, December 5, 2022 at 3:00 PM at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, MA.

Donations in Charles’ memory may be made to Disabled American Veteran’s (DAV) at www.dav.org or the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) at www.lbda.org.