Richard D. Clark

Richard was born in Mannsville, NY, to the late Donald and Doreen (Davis) Clark. A devoted follower of Christ from an early age, his life’s mission was to share God’s love and to “win souls for Christ,” a calling he pursued with unwavering passion and integrity. After graduating from Mannsville Manor Central High School in 1952, he attended Elim Bible College.

Richard furthered his education at Jefferson Community College, where he earned his LPN, and at Cayuga Community College, where he earned his RN and respiratory therapy licenses. His passion for helping others guided his professional life, and he served as Director of Respiratory Therapy at Oswego Hospital for 30 years. After retiring, Richard continued answering God’s call and became an ordained minister at the age of 84.

Faith was central to every aspect of Richard’s life. He was one of the founding members of  Elim Grace Church in Oswego, NY, and a longtime member of The Gideons International, where he served as camp president and participated in correctional facilities ministry. Richard and his beloved wife, Cora, were members of many local churches over the years, most recently First Congregational Church in New Haven, NY, where Richard served briefly as assistant pastor. Throughout his life, he was actively involved in church ministries, including leading and attending Bible studies, directing and singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and serving in children’s ministry alongside Cora.

Richard leaves behind a rich legacy of faith and love that he instilled in his children and grandchildren. The family takes deep comfort in the assurance that he is now with the Lord whom he loved and served, hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).

Richard is survived by his children: Richard D. Clark Jr., Cora Mandarino, Jeffrey Clark, Joel (Rosalind) Clark, Lanna Clark-Goodwin, and Bruce (Robin) Clark; his grandchildren: Jennifer (Jeff) Bickford, Jason (Ashley) Goodwin, Joseph Clark, Brittany (Aaron) Marsh, Grayson Clark, Ashley Raymond, Brandon (Bridget) Mandarino, Joshua (Jenelle) Mandarino, Darius (Jenna) Clark, Victor Clark, and Emma Clark; as well as 12 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Cora M. (Robinson) Clark, in 2017, and by his brothers, James (Shelia) Clark and Gerald (Kathy) Clark.

Calling hours will be held at Elim Grace Church in Oswego, NY, on Monday, December 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with funeral services immediately following. Relatives and friends are invited to fellowship with the family after the service at Fulton Alliance Church in Fulton, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International, PO Box 777, Fulton, NY. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of Nelson Funeral Home.