Msgr. John A. Clarke, former pastor and parochial vicar, died March 24. He was 89.
Born in Cavan, Ireland, he attended Saint Patrick’s Seminary there before being ordained in Carlow on June 13, 1959. Three months later, he started his ministry in the Diocese of Camden, serving as parochial vicar at Transfiguration, West Collingswood (1959-1964).
As a pastor, he served the parish communities of Saint Bridget, Glassboro (1974-1978); Saint Edward, Pine Hill (1978-1983); Saint Isidore the Farmer, Vineland (1983-1988), and Saints Peter and Paul, Turnersville (1988-2008).
Msgr. Clarke also served on the Diocesan Tribunal, as a member and chairman of the Priest Personnel Board, and as a member of the Committee on Pastoral Ministry and Interparochial Board.
After six decades of active ministry to the faithful in South Jersey, he retired in 2008.
Msgr. Thomas J. Morgan, a retired priest of the Diocese of Camden and friend of Msgr. Clarke, recalled a “larger than life” shepherd with great energy who had a deep appreciation for his flock.
“He loved being a pastor, being with his people. He was with them in times of joy and in times of grief. He was a healer and an inspirer in countless ways. He knew how to enter into [their] world, where he brought joy and compassion,” said Msgr. Morgan, who will serve as homilist at Msgr. Clarke’s funeral Mass.
A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. March 29 and from 10:15-11:15 a.m. March 30 at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 362 Ganttown Road, Turnersville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated immediately after, starting at 11:30 a.m.
Msgr. Clarke will be interned at Saint Joseph Cemetery, Chews Landing.
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