Clark, Jonathan C.
Jonathan Cromwell Clark, 84, of Ashford, Connecticut, left this earthly life and passed to heaven peacefully on December 3, 2023 in the loving presence of his wife of 58 years Sandra and family members. He lived a full life of bringing kindness, love, joy, and humor to all those he connected with.
Jonathan, known fondly as Jon, Jonny, Oody, Dad, and Papa, was born on July 21, 1939 in Albany, New York to William and Minna Clark. The family moved to Connecticut in his early childhood and he grew up in Mansfield and Ashford. John graduated from E.O. Smith High School in 1958. He worked for the State of Connecticut in forestry for several years before embarking on a 22-year career as a prison guard at the Connecticut Correctional Institution in Somers. Known for his love of being behind the wheel, after retiring from the prison system, Jon became a school bus driver in Mansfield. He drove for 20 years before retiring for the second time.
In 1963, he met the love of his life, Sandra Gallup and accompanied her to her high school senior prom. That was the beginning of a 60-year partnership. They were married on June 19, 1965 in Mansfield. Jon and Sandy had three children – Jennifer, Jonathan, and Erin. They built a house on property next door to his parents where they raised their family and lived their entire lives together.
Jon will be remembered for many things, including his old jokes and limericks. He loved being on the ocean, fishing, movies and watching Uconn Huskies basketball. However, he will be predominantly thought of for the love and devotion to his wife and family. Their house was a regular gathering place for holidays and special occasions, and many wonderful times were spent and memories made at the family's summer house in Maine. The nine grandchildren held a special place for him and were frequently driven to get ice cream or treats.
He is predeceased by his parents, Minna and William Clark, his brother William Clark, Jr., and his sister, Betsy Clark. He is survived by his wife Sandra, their daughter Jennifer Cookson and son-in- law Matt Cookson, son Jonathan Clark and daughter-in-law Kayo Clark, daughter Erin Clark and son-in-law Jaime Deleon, and nine grandchildren: Daniel and John Cookson; Paulina, Claire, Karen and Naomi Clark; Jaime, Anna, and William Deleon.
Calling hours will be from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, December 8, at Bacon Funeral Home, 71 Prospect Street, Willimantic, Connecticut. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 9, at Living Proof Church 38 Pompey Hollow Rd., Ashford, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Living Proof Church or Samaritan's Purse (samaritanspurse. org). To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com