Victor E Clarke's Obituary
Victor E. Clarke, 81, 1932-2013, respected philanthropist and lifelong resident of Miami died on November 27. He was the only son of Victor P. and Charlotte H. Clarke who predeceased him. As a young man, Mr. Clarke, a graduate of Coral Gables High School and Cornell University, served his country as an officer in the United States Air Force in the 1950s. He later succeeded his father at the helm of Coral Gables-based Gables Engineering, Inc., founded by the senior Clarke, and grew the company into a leader in the avionics industry. Mr. Clarke loved his hometown and worked selflessly over many years to improve the lives of all its residents. Included among the many charitable objects of Mr. Clarke’s incredible generosity are the Victor E. Clarke Pavilion at Baptist Hospital in Kendall, Baptist Cardiovascular Institute, the Victor E. Clarke Recital Hall at the University of Miami, and the Victor E. Clarke Education Center at South Miami Hospital. He was a loving father to his daughters Charlotte “Anne" Clarke and Patricia “Lynn” Clarke Cogan, who survive him and beloved grandfather to his granddaughters, Erin, Colleen, Kerry, Kelly, Mary-Bridget, and Meghan-Ann. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren, Luke, Hannah, Gabrielle, Ryan and Natalie. Mr. Clarke was universally admired as a gentleman and benefactor and he leaves behind many other friends and loved ones who will sadly miss his kind and benevolent presence. A visitation will be held at VAN ORSDEL CORAL GABLES CHAPEL, 4 – 8 PM Wednesday, December 4th. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to a charity of your choice.
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