My beloved papa Thomas “Tom” Clarke Sr recently passed unexpectedly on Monday, March 27th, 2023. Papa was a wonderful father and grandfather who touched the lives of those around him. He left this world to join his sister Gail Carter, wife Renee Clarke, and eldest son Thomas Clarke Jr. in paradise. He leaves behind two children, Lechia Lemoi, Jason Clarke and six grandchildren; Samantha “Samie” Clarke-Medeiros, Nicholas Clarke, Anthony Lemoi, Kristina Lemoi, Elizabeth Clarke and Kaylee Clarke as well as several beloved nieces and nephews.

Papa dedicated his life to serving this country and then those who served with him. He served in the US Air Force from 1969-1979 when he was honorably discharged. He then worked odd jobs for a few years in his local community in Rhode Island until he began work at the VA, where he worked until he medically retired and moved to Gloversville, NY.

We are all devastated by my papa’s passing and were not prepared for the high cost of a funeral service. We want to give papa the memorial he deserves, to honor his memory and say our last goodbyes.

I am currently asking for donations to help cover the cost of papa’s funeral. We need to raise $10,000 as soon as possible in order to be able to afford the funeral service. These costs include but are not limited to; the cost of his cremation, the cost to have a memorial service at the funeral home my family has chosen, the hourly cost for visiting hours, the cost for such things as memorial cards and an obituary to be run, the cost of his urn and the casket he will be cremated in, as well as the cost to get my family out to Gloversville, NY from Providence, RI. These are the basic costs we know of now, and are unsure if others will pop up as we try to navigate this difficult situation.

We are looking into getting help from the VA, but thus far have been unsuccessful. If we are able to receive any help outside of this fundraiser I will adjust the goal accordingly, and any extra will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project in my papa’s honor.

Please consider donating, as any amount will truly help our family during this difficult time. The memorial service date and time is TBA.

Thank you so much and have a wonderful day.

Samantha “Samie” Clarke-Medeiros