Daniel S. Clarke’s death marks the end of an era for many of the people who knew him. He died unexpectedly on Friday morning, November 22, 2024. The truck he was driving crossed the centerline, went into some bushes, and he was declared dead by the time first responders arrived. He was 81 years old. 

Dan was born to Mildred (Zamnik) Clarke and Stuart M. Clarke in East Cleveland on December 15, 1942. Initially, Dan was a big fan of school and learning, moving from kindergarten directly to second grade because of his abilities. However, the disruption of moving and being placed in foster care during the week left him angry and unsettled. He started getting in trouble with the law. Eventually, he was placed in a reform school turned orphanage called Oesterlin. It was at that school that he was given his own studio and began developing his talent in art. He also started playing the guitar, inspired by the way Ricky Nelson’s playing seemed to attract girls. 

After leaving Oesterlin, Dan briefly attended Ohio University and Antioch College before finally settling in at Hiram College where he majored in theater and art. It was here that he met his first wife, Janet Favor. By 1963, Janet was pregnant with Dan’s child. They married shortly after and moved to Connecticut where his only son, David Henry Clarke, was born. While living in Connecticut, Dan worked as a musician, guitar teacher, commercial artist, chauffeur, and set designer. In 1971, the family moved to Freedom, Maine. 

Dan was, in the best sense of these words, a Jeffersonian, a renaissance man, and an autodidact. He had some formal education, but he largely built the world around him, learning to fix just about everything that needed fixing. From the house he designed and built, to the nonstop rotation of cars he shepherded from the junk-heap to road-ready, to the small sailboat he bought cheap and turned into a fine ship, he had a fascination with mechanics and the way things worked.  Dan was an excellent listener and problem solver and his life touched many people in a positive way. He was always ready to lend a hand when he could. One of Dan’s strongest beliefs was that anyone who worked carefully and hard and took pride in their work was an artist, no matter their profession, be it farmer, mason, cook, or teacher. 

Dan was active in the local arts community, playing in bands like Wild Mountain Thyme, becoming a member of the Waldo County Players where he designed sets as well as acted, and joining the fledgling art cooperative in Belfast, Artfellows. He taught guitar for many years, and played for many more, primarily jazz. He passed this on to his son, David, as well as his grandson, Aaron. While Dan was primarily a house-husband when he moved to Maine, he eventually found the need for more income. He worked at various jobs including running a music store, painting houses, establishing a garage for repairing cars, working at the Republican Journal, and managing property. 

Eventually Dan’s marriage disintegrated and he and Janet separated. In 1982 he met Judy Kaber, a teacher, who became his life partner. Then, in 1985, Dan sold his house and moved to a house in Belfast at the corner of Pierce and Bridge Streets with magnificent views of the river and the town landing. He became active locally, joining The Belfast Historical Society where he became a member of the board and head of buildings and grounds. He also joined the Belfast Planning Board. He liked being a part of the decision making process, always with an eye to the aesthetic sense of the town. In 2001, Dan bought property on Oak Hill Road and began construction of his house there. Judy moved into that house in 2004, while Dan remained at Bridge Street until the City bought the property in 2014. After that Dan retired and most of his energy went into completing the house on Oak Hill Road and keeping his cars running. He died while driving a truck up to Hampden to get an estimate on how much it would cost to fix it. He was irritated that he couldn’t fix it himself. 

Dan was predeceased by his father, Stuart Clarke, and by his mother, Mildred (Zamnik) Clarke.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Kaber of Belfast; his son, David Clarke, also of Belfast; his step-son Tevye Kaber of Worcester, Massachusetts; his step-son Moses Kaber of Yelm, Washington; his grandson Aaron Clarke of Belmont, Massachusetts; and his step-grandsons Ronin Kaber and Dax Kaber of Worcester, Massachusetts. 

A private family burial will be held at the Youngtown Cemetery in Lincolnville on Friday, December 6. Memories and condolences may be shared at ripostafh.com. A Celebration of Life will be announced in the forthcoming months.