Phillip A. "Phil" Clark

Mr. Phillip Andrew “Phil” Clark, 78, of Riverview Lane (Town of Deerfield), beloved husband of Violet L. Clark, a United States Veteran, passed away suddenly of natural causes on Thursday morning, January 30, 2025, in his home.

Phil was born on September 29, 1946, in Utica, son of the late Oliver and Jane (Gray) Clark and educated in local schools. He answered the call of duty enlisting as a US Marine on Sept. 15, 1966, and was honorably discharged, holding the rank of Lance Corporal. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Rifle Marksman Badge. Phil was extremely proud to service his country and more so as a US Marine, always holding his time served during the Vietnam War close to his heart. The Marines was one of his most important accomplishments, but his number one life accomplishment was meeting his wife, Violet L. Dye. The couple was married on Sept. 24, 1977, in the Town of Ohio, NY where they resided their entire lives. They did everything together and were a match made in heaven. Always active in each other's daily lives, they truly enjoyed being in one another's company, exercising, biking and many adventures together. He worked for many years with various construction companies through the International Laborers Union.

Other than the love of his own family, Phil loved the outdoors, mainly the Adirondacks. Some of his favorite outdoor activities were hunting, fishing, and trapping. He was a proud member of the Cold Brook American Legion, Post 1118 where he treasured times spent amongst fellow veterans and dear friends. Phil was well-liked and respected; his engaging personality made him a fast friend to everyone he met. He had a strong work ethic and was highly dependable and admired. He was a people person and a good man. He was able to have true friendships with so many people, drawing them in with his sense of humor, character, and spirit.

Phil leaves his adored wife and best friend of 47 cherished years, Violet at home in Poland; his children, Phillip Andrew Clark, Jr. and fiancé Rhonda of Leland, NC, and Matthew Charles Clark and fiancé Roxanne of Basin, Montana; his adored fur babies, Sadie and Ollie; many other extended family members including his niece who was like his own daughter, Stacey Murray of Little Falls and three siblings, Ellen, Patty and Julie. He is also survived by a host of great friends, too numerous to mention. He was preceded in death by his brother, Christopher Clark and his canine companion, Willie.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Phil’s funeral service commencing at 3 pm on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from the chapel of Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations-Daniel J. Enea, Director,7507 State Route 5, Little Falls (corner of Bidleman Road), 315-508-5131 where memories will be shared. The US Marines will offer military honors, and the Cold Brook American Legion will conduct ritualistic services. Visitation will be held also on Wednesday at MVFC from 1 pm-3 pm, prior to the funeral service. He will be laid to rest later in the spring in S. Brookfield Cemetery. Kindly consider and send contributions in his name to the Sitrin Wounded Warrior Program, PO Box 1000, New Hartford, NY 13413.

“The United States Marine Corps, with its fiercely proud tradition of excellence in combat, its hallowed rituals, and its unbending code of honor, is part of the fabric of American myth.”

– Thomas E. Ricks