Thomas Joseph Clarke, age 84, of Tink Wig, Hawley, passed away Friday, June 26, 2026, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley, Wilkes Barre, after an unexpected medical event. He passed peacefully surrounded by his two loving daughters. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Jean (Arico) Clarke, in 2016.

Born February 10, 1942, in Brooklyn, NY, Tom was the son of the late Thomas Martin and Alice (Broderick) Clarke. After serving four years in the US Navy, he worked briefly as an officer of the NYPD, before becoming a fireman with the FDNY. Over the course of his 30 plus year career, Tom rose through the ranks and retired as Deputy Chief Fire Marshall. Tom’s love for the FDNY and the brotherhood was always at the heart of every conversation. His unwavering dedication and loyalty to helping others continued beyond retirement. His years of service defined not only his career, but the way he lived his life with honor, courage, and integrity that earned him the respect and admiration of all who knew him.

Tom was a devoted father, grandfather, family member and friend whose humor and quiet strength touched everyone. He lived a full life marked by hard work, generosity, a love for family, and unending stories. If you knew Tom, as a life-long friend or a stranger in the street, you felt the warmth in his heart. Strangers and friends were one in the same, and by the time you left you had an arsenal of stories to tell.

One of Tom's greatest passions was golf. Whether he was out on the course with friends or just talking about the game, golf brought him joy and everlasting friendships.

He was a member of BVM Queen of Peace Church and generously supported the local first responders throughout his 23 years as a resident of Tink Wig.

He treasured time with his family, who were the center of his life. He is survived and remembered by his two daughters: Valerie Clarke and her husband Brian Kenny of Westbury, NY, and Michele Rasmussen and her husband Ed of Westwood, NJ. His five grandsons, whom he cherished, loved and couldn’t be more proud of: Thomas, Justin, Sean, Austin and Edward; his three sisters: Marie McGarry of Freehold, NJ, Patricia Mitchell of Breezy Point, NY and Alice Clarke of Salisbury, NC; and one brother: Jack Clarke of Brooklyn, NY.

In addition to his wife, Tom was preceded in death by his son, Thomas J. Clarke, and his sister, Rosemary Clerkin.

His unexpected death leaves a heartache to all those who knew him and he will always be loved, missed and remembered for the way he lived his life and the love he gave to all.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, July 1, from 4 PM to 8 PM at Teeters' East Chapel, 505 Church St, Hawley, PA. There will be a funeral mass held on Thursday, July 2, at 10:00 AM at BVM Queen Of Peace Roman Catholic Church, 314 Chestnut Ave, Hawley. Burial will follow in Green Gates Cemetery, Hawley.