John Francis Clarke

John Francis Clarke, of Fort Myers, FL Fill a parting glass and give a toast to John, who passed away after a brief illness on November 13, 2023. He was 81 years old. John was the son and grandson of immigrants and was very proud of his Irish heritage. He spent his childhood in Brooklyn, NY with his older brother Jim and his cousin Susann McGovern who was like a sister to him. John was a graduate of Erasmus Hall in Brooklyn, Brookdale College, and drafting school. Upon graduation from high school, he served his country in the National Guard. John’s work experience was extensive, having worked for Con Edison in New York and for the State of New Jersey. During his career, he helped build houses and bridges all around the NY and NJ area before fulfilling his ambition of owning his own construction company, Rio Corporation. He later served as vice president and project manager for Trataros Construction in NY, rebuilding his former high school and many other colleges and high schools in the area. In 1964, John married his beloved wife, Virginia “Genie” Mitchell and they raised their two daughters in Little Silver NJ. He built a big pool at the Little Silver house, which was greatly enjoyed by the family. He loved DIY projects, his Giants and Jets, and Irish folk music. John and Genie lived in Little Silver for 25 years before relocating to Florida. He and Genie began visiting The Pink Shell in Fort Myers Beach in 1969 and fulfilled a lifelong dream when they moved to Fort Myers Beach permanently in 2002. Following Genie’s untimely passing, John, his daughter Elizabeth and grandson Dylan lived together in Avalon Preserve, Fort Myers. John was happy when his daughter Kathleen joined the family in Fort Myers in 2016. John made many dear friends here in Fort Myers and will be remembered by those who knew him for his warm smile, friendliness, and all his stories. Following his retirement, John found a new outlet for all his energy and creativity by becoming a master wood carver. His work mainly focused on decoy ducks and birds, as well as Christmas ornaments and Celtic Crosses. He often gave away his carvings freely. People felt special when they received something hand-carved by John. John is survived by his loving daughters, Elizabeth Clarke Monroe and Kathleen Clarke and his grandson, and pride and joy, Dylan Clarke Monroe. Missing her cherished cousin is Susann McGovern and her son, Anthony of Boca Raton, FL. Also surviving John is his nephew Christopher Clarke, his wife Joanne, and his two children Cailey and Eamon of North Carolina; his nephew Ian Clarke and his wife Kim of South Carolina; and by his late brother’s wife, Janet Clarke, North Carolina. In addition, he is survived by his sister-in-laws Merry Platt, Alexandra Buchanan, and Alyce Perry, and their families. John is also survived by Dylan’s father, Ryan Monroe of Lehigh Acres, FL. Welcoming John into heaven after a 17-year separation was his beloved wife, Genie. Also there to greet him were his mother and father, Mary and Jim Clarke, his brother Jim Clarke; his dear Aunt and Uncle, Kitty and Jim McGovern; and his son-in-law, Dr. Gene Krug. The reunion consisted of many other loving family members including his Uncle Jim Kierce; his brother-in-law, Kip Mitchell; and his mother and father-in-law, Chauncey and Ann Mitchell. From a favorite Irish song, The Parting Glass: “Oh, all the money I ever did have, I spent it in good company. And all the harm I ever did, alas it was to none but me. And all I’ve done for want of wit, whose memory now I can’t recall. So fill me up the parting glass. Good night and joy be with you all.” Love, John. Services were held privately for John. Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

John Francis Clarke

October 2, 1942 - November 13, 2023