Richard Dudley Clark

With a well-worn passport and a wood shop full of sawdust, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at the age of 96.

Richard Dudley Clark, affectionately known as Dick, embarked on his final adventure on March 14, 2026.  Born on August 13, 1929, in Lynn, Massachusetts, he was the cherished son of Leslie A. Clark and Margaret (Phinney) Clark.  

Dick grew up in the Danvers Port neighborhood of Danvers. He attended Danvers High School before transferring to Peabody Vocational School. He went on to work as an Assembly Machinist at Sylvania in Salem, where he dedicated 34 years of his career. In early 1950, he joined the Navy and was honorably discharged after a short time.

On June 16, 1950, Dick married the love of his life, Mildred “Milly” Walter. Together, they shared an extraordinary 75-year marriage—a partnership built on laughter, loyalty, and countless adventures. 

Dick was deeply involved in a variety of activities, clubs, and service work throughout his life. He participated in the 4-H Rabbit Club with his daughter Jane, helped keep the Ipswich River clean with the Middleton Stream Team, and traveled twice to Guatemala with Partners in Development, where he helped build homes and a medical center. He and Milly were also active members of the Cy Tenney Social Club and the Top of The Hill Activity Club where they formed lasting friendships and enjoyed dances, cookouts, and travel.

Dick had a wide range of interests and hobbies. He loved being on the water—whether in a powerboat, sailboat, kayak, or canoe. He enjoyed camping, starting with tents and eventually “glamping” in three different RVs. The mountains of New England and Europe provided opportunities for hiking and skiing, as well as biking and motorcycle adventures. He was a member of the American Kite Association and took pride in flying his handmade kites wherever he could find an open sky. Among his many collections, his most cherished was his meticulously cataloged 1/18-scale model cars.

His love of travel took him and Milly across the globe and throughout the United States. Whether by road or the air, their journeys led them to remarkable places and created a lifetime of stories, souvenirs, and treasured memories. Some of his favorite destinations were South Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, China, Japan and South Korea. He also embraced adventure along the way, including a boat trip down the Amazon River, hiking both rims into the Grand Canyon, white water rafting the Colorado River and Polar bear watching in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. 

Known to all as “the fix-it man,” Dick had an incredible ability to repair, design, or build just about anything. No squeaky hinge, wobbly chair, or questionable wiring job was beyond his confidence or skill.  At home, he could often be found in the wood shop, happily surrounded by tools and lumber, crafting with care—most famously his birdhouses and wine cork creations. When not working with wood, he enjoyed puzzles, patiently fitting each piece into place, never giving up until the picture was complete. He also loved a spirited game of Rummikub, where he was often one step ahead and usually the winner.

Dick was a gifted storyteller, able to turn everyday moments into unforgettable tales. His stories—whether humorous, heartfelt, or slightly embellished over time—brought generations together through laughter and connection.

Above all, Dick loved his family deeply. He was a steady presence, a storyteller, a fixer of all things, and a source of warmth and wisdom. His legacy lives on not only in the things he built, but in the lives he shaped and the love he gave so freely.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Mildred “Milly” Clark; his three children, Jane Clark of Beverly, Gary Clark of Middleton, and Mark Clark and his wife Gail of North Port, Florida. He also leaves behind four granddaughters, Katie Clark, Amy Clark, Keri Cano and her husband Hector, and Emily Disla and her husband Joselin, as well as seven cherished great-grandchildren. In addition, Dick is survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, including a very special niece, Lari Walter of Beverly. He is also survived by his dear brother, Robert Clark of West Virginia, husband of the late Brenda (Barnes) Clark, and his loving sister, Irma Tibbetts of Illinois, wife of the late Everett Tibbetts. He will be fondly remembered by the many dear friends he considered family.

The family would like to thank Care Dimensions-Hospice for their support and guidance. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 4 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the American Legion Post 227, 69 River Street, Middleton. A service of remembrance will begin at 1:30 PM. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and celebrate Dick’s extraordinary life. Food and refreshments will be served.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in his memory.

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