Msgr. John J. Clark, 79, Parochial Victor at St. Mary, Gloucester City and retired pastor of Two Parishes, dies
Friday, December 21, 2007
Msgr. John Joseph Clark, who served as pastor at two parishes before his retirement in 1996 died Dec. 18. He was 79.
Msgr. Clark was born July 2, 1928 in Ventnor to John B. and Teresa M. (Gross) Clark. He graduated from St. James Elementary School and attended Holy Spirit High School for two years before entering St. Charles College Seminary in Catonsville, Md., at age 16.
After completion at St. Charles, he went on to St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Md., where he received a degree in philosophy. After four more years and a degree in theology, he was ordained to the priesthood on May 30, 1953.
Msgr. Clark earned his master's in education from Villanova University and studied graduate courses in education at The Catholic University, Washington, D.C.
Msgr. Clark was the first pastor of St. Thomas More, Cherry Hill, 1968-85; and also served as pastor at St. Bernadette, Northfield, 1985-96.
"Monsignor was a good priest and a good friend during the years I was with him at St. Bernadette's," said Father Perry Cherubini, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Absecon.
"He was good to all the people; he was just a very good priest and a very good friend."
Msgr. Clark was parochial vicar at St. Mary, Gloucester City, 1953-56; St. Cecilia, Pennsauken, 1961-65; and St. Rose of Lima, 1965-66.
Msgr. Clark served as administrator at St. George, Camden, from 1966-68. He also worked for a time at Villanova University, serving on the faculty for the summers of 1957, 1959 and 1960.
Msgr. Clark continued his work in education, serving as the assistant superintendent of schools in 1955, and as the superintendent of schools from 1965-1966. He was also the first principal of the new Camden Catholic High School, Cherry Hill in 1965.
Msgr. Clark also helped initiate the passing of the School Bus Transportation Law, and also instituted the diocesan regionalization policies for elementary schools, as well as chaired the first Increased Giving Program.
He is predeceased by his sister, Teresa Cronin, and is survived by siblings Thomas (Margaret) Clark of Mineola, N.Y.; Clare (Andrew) Berenato of Vineland; and Marie (Hugh) Gallagher of Allentown, Pa., as well as 21 nieces and nephews and 41 grand nieces and nephews.
Reception of Monsignor Clark will take place today, Friday, at 3 p.m. at St. Bernadette Church, 1421 New Road, Northfield, where viewing will take place from 3-6:30 p.m., followed by a Mass of Jesus Christ the High Priest at 7 p.m. There will also be a viewing on Saturday, Dec. 22, 9-10 a.m. at St. Bernadette Church. Funeral Mass will begin on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Mays Landing.
In lieu of flowers and Mass cards, donations may be sent to: Msgr. John J. Clark Memorial Fund, c/o St. Bernadette Church, 1421 New Road, Northfield, NJ 08225.