NEW BERLIN – Harold “Hoddie” B. Clarke, 86, of New Berlin, passed away on Feb. 13, 2011 at the NYS Veterans’ Home, Oxford.
Hoddie was born on Sept. 17, 1924 in Leonardsville, the son of Wallace & Minnie (Stanger) Clarke.
He spent his childhood in the Leonardsville area and was a 1942 graduate of Leonardsville Central School. He married Evelyn Hardy on Sept. 8, 1946. She predeceased him on Jan. 9, 1987.
Hoddie served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946 during World War II and was the recipient of a Bronze Star. He was later employed as a postal clerk for 30 years at the New Berlin Post Office until his retirement in 1984.
Hoddie is survived by one son; David & Laureen Clarke of Norwich, grandchildren Erin (Tom) Stemper of Clifton Park, Kelly (Matt) Norris of Hamilton, Kristen Clarke of Latham, and one great grandson; Logan Norris. He is also survived by one brother; Russell Clarke of Santa Barbara, Calif. and one sister; Wilma Clarke of South New Berlin.
He was predeceased by his brother, Dana Andrew Clarke and his step-father, Henry Sage.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Friday at the First United Methodist Church, New Berlin, with the Reverend Allyson Ellis officiating.
Interment will be in the Fairview Cemetery, New Berlin.
Hoddie was an active member of the community, serving as a coach for the New Berlin Little League for 17 years, a member of the Rotary and recipient of the Paul Harris Rotarian Award, a member of the Frank H. Arnold Legion Post 348, treasurer of the New Berlin Fire Department, officer of the Hardcore Ski Club, director of the Riverbend Golf Association, Youth Days Citizen of the Year and member of the First United Methodist Church of New Berlin.
Memorial donations may be made to the New Berlin Rotary or the First United Methodist Church, New Berlin.
Arrangements are by the Dakin Funeral Home, LP, New Berlin.