Father Joseph Lawrence Clark passed away July 13 in Virginia Beach at the age of 93. A funeral Mass was celebrated July 17 at Church of the Ascension in Virginia Beach.
He was born December 27, 1931, in Baltimore, Maryland, and felt a calling from a young age to devote his life to the Church. Father Clark is remembered for his love of learning; he taught English and Latin before being ordained a priest for the Diocese of Richmond.
Father Clark began his priestly ministry at Star of the Sea in Virginia Beach (1975-1977) and St. Bridget in Richmond (1977-1978). He then became the founding pastor of St. Mark in Virginia Beach (1978-1990). Next, he served at St. Mary Star of the Sea on Fort Monroe (1990-2003), where he embraced the military community. Even after he retired from priestly service in 2003, he continued to serve parishes, including at Church of the Ascension.
Father Clark is preceded in death by his parents, James Edward Clark and Margaret B. Smith; his brother, James E. Clark, Jr.; and his sister, Mary Clark Murphy. He leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends.