Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas Clarke Obituary
1944 - 2025
Wilbraham
Dr. Thomas Eliasson Clarke, 81, of Wilbraham entered into his eternal rest with the love of his family surrounding him on November 9, 2025. He was born in Ellsworth Maine on May 12, 1944 to the late Richard and Anna (Eliasson) Clarke. He was a three-sport athlete at Longmeadow High School. He then went on to undergraduate studies at Dartmouth College, where he was an avid sportsman in Lacrosse and Football. He was Captain and All-Ivy Defensive End of the East's best football team in 1965. He also captained the 1965 Undefeated Ivy League Champion Team. Among his many awards at Dartmouth, he received the Nils Swede Melson Award, which is given to the player deemed to be the very best and most academically talented football player in New England. In 2017, the Ivy Football Association chose Tom Clarke as the All-Ivy Most Outstanding Award for Dartmouth College.
After graduating from Dartmouth College, Tom attended and graduated from Harvard Medical School. In San Francisco, he completed his surgical internship and then completed his Residency in Orthopedics at the Mary Hitchcock Hospital in New Hampshire. Tom served his country for two years as an officer in the United States Navy. Dr. Clarke went on to start a private practice in Springfield, MA for 35 years with Dr's Titus and Hansen. In addition, Dr. Clarke served as President of the Medical Staff at Mercy Hospital.
Tom Clarke was an avid skier and golfer with memberships at Springfield Country Club and Great Horse. Tom spent his days traveling the world and spending time with his nieces, nephews and grandchildren. He also enjoyed reading at the beach, feeling the breeze off the marsh reminding him of a Cape Cod Classic Day.
Dr. Clarke is survived by his wife Donna Clarke (Moran); his children, Dirk Clarke and his wife Maureen, Justin Clarke and his wife Jane, and his daughter Kristina Clarke. He also leaves his sister Kristina MacMillan; brothers and sisters-in-law, Salvatore and Kathy LaBella and Dr. Thomas Moran and Danielle as well as his grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025 from 1 to 4 pm at Sampson Chapel of the Acres, 21 Tinkham Rd. Springfield. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025 at 10 am directly at Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield with burial to follow at The Most Holy Redeemer Mausoleum at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Springfield.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Clarke
Sponsored by The Family.
Kathy Barber
December 2, 2025
Donna I just heard of Tom´s passing Bobby and I are so sorry for your loss. Tom was a wonderful person and a great doctor. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy and Bob Barber
December 2, 2025
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Alan ROZYCKI
November 29, 2025
A terric person; an outstanding athlete and scholar. Dartmouth lost a favorite.
Susan Scarfo
November 15, 2025
Donna, Dr. Moran and Family- so sorry to hear of Dr. Clarke´s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
How you can show support
Betsy C. Baldwin
November 15, 2025
Sorry for your loss
Betsy C. Baldwin
November 14, 2025
So Sad about Tom's Passing We will keep him in our Hearts and Prayers in The Baldwin Family
Betsy C. Baldwin
November 14, 2025
R.I.P. Tom
Alan and Mary Alice Stewart
November 14, 2025
We send our sympathy and prayers to you. Tom was a caring and helpful man. God bless him and you.
Diane Milelzcik
November 14, 2025
Donna, Dr. Moran and family, my sincere condolences to you on your loss of a man.
I worked with Dr. Clarke for many years at Mercy and found him to be one of the most kind, gentle, caring physicians on the medical staff. His leadership as President of Medical Staff was great.
Lynn Katz
November 14, 2025
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of a true gentleman. He was wonderful Dr. G-d won this round
Jeff Hopkins
November 13, 2025
Tom was special. As teammates at Longmeadow High, we spent many hours together. Nobody was better on the football field than Tom. His years at Dartmouth and as a doctor speaks to how special he was. So sad to learn of Tom´s passing.
Bob Pouliot
November 13, 2025
It was with great sadness that I read about Tom´s passing this morning. I treasure my memories of golfing with Tom and especially playing pitch with and against him. My thoughts and prayers go out to Donna and Justin and the Clarke family at this very difficult time.
Bob Pouliot
Mark Jackowitz
November 13, 2025
All my sympathy on the loss of a wonderful person. So kind and thoughtful to all those who he cared for-may his memory always be for a blessing for your entire family
Elaine Y. Olive
November 12, 2025
A gentle giant of a man is now gracing the Halls of Heaven. Dr. Clarke took exceptional care of my Mom, Bertha Paquet. Two days after preformed hip surgery on my 80 year old Mom, he had her walking between parallel bars. He was seated on a stool at the end of them, patiently waiting for her. At one point, she questioned him about continuing to walk on, he replied, "Bertha, after working 2 1/2 hours on your hip, I´m not going to let you fall." When she finally reached him, he stood up and embraced her in a big hug! Because of him, she was able to walk for 20 more years.
Blessings and peace on your family as you have lost a very special person in your lives.
Elaine Y. Olive
Louise Czarniecki
November 12, 2025
Donna, I´m so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. May your memories bring you Peace
Jack keiser
November 12, 2025
Very saddened to learn of Tom´s passing. The memories will be cherished forever. I feel very fortunate to have had him in my life in all the ways we were connected.
Joan Sobon
November 12, 2025
A great man has left this world Dr Clarke was my surgeon and became our friend always a smile on his face and a funny comment had the ability to make you feel special know that his family will be in our prayers during this time and that God will give you the strength to get thru this loss of the person you loved
The Sobons
Beverly K-Moses
November 12, 2025
Dr &Mrs Tom Moran sorry for your loss.
Russ Omer
November 11, 2025
Donna, Justin,Dirk and family so sorry for your loss.
Russ Omer
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Clarke's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Thomas Clarke
Funeral services provided by:
Sampson Family Chapels - Chapel of the Acres21 Tinkham Road, Springfield, MA 01129
People and places connected with Thomas
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland.com
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Clarke's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
