Rudolph A. Clarke

Rudolph A. Clarke transitioned this earthly realm on Saturday, October 9, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 14, 1941 in Kingston, Jamaica and at the time of his passing, was five days shy of his 80th birthday. During his youth and into early adulthood, he played for a local soccer team as he enjoyed the sport immensely. He traveled to Cuba and there expanded work opportunities and obtained Afro-Cuban cultural insights. In his mid-twenties, he met and married his would-be wife Icylin Robinson and they migrated to the United States. They first settled in Pennsylvania during the late 60’s, and later moved to Plainfield, New Jersey where they purchased a home and focused on raising their four daughters. To support his family, Rudolph was a long-distance truck driver in the Import/Export industry for many years until his retirement in 2002. His vast travels enabled him to see the beauty of every corner of the United States, and those memories remained with him long after his eyesight failed him. After his retirement, he enjoyed listening to talk radio and self-help reads, imparting knowledge relative to the advancement of African-Americans, and active involvement in healing & support groups, including meditation. “Bro. Rudy” as he was affectionately called, was well-spoken and had a passion for education. In the early 80’s, driven and inspired by the insight of Marva Collins, Rudolph was a powerhouse of influence in the Plainfield educational system where he forged many lifelong relationships and partnerships, and established immense credibility with educators. Further, he was the foundation of high expectations and excellence for his children. In the Clarke household he stressed, “You have to be twice as good to get half of what they have.” His daughters couldn’t get away with anything in their Elementary and Middle school experiences because all their Educators would say, “Isn’t your Dad Rudolph Clarke?” It gave new meaning to the term, “Straighten up and fly right.” Another passion in his life was holistic health and the invaluable impact and long-term return on investment from incorporating nutritional principles. He could talk about any supplement and their many benefits for hours on end. We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Dad during his 79 years, among them: ● “Reading is Fundamental” ● “Life is What You Make It” ● “Time is Money” ● “Focus on What Matters” Rudolph was predeceased by both parents and his two brothers. He is survived by his four daughters; Maxine Clarke, Adrene Clarke-Williams, Saida Clarke and Sonfonya Clarke. He also leaves behind four sisters; Jean Clarke-Mitchell, Marjorie Clarke, Millicent Howard, and Sybil Clarke; an ex-wife and friend, Icylin Clarke; one Son-In-Law, Paul Williams; two grandsons; Jailen McIntyre and Julian Williams and a host of additional family members and friends. Although visually impaired in his latter years, Rudolph was a bright light in this sometimes dark world and frequently saw the glass half full rather than empty; he overcame many health challenges throughout his full and independent life. Bro. Rudy was a lover of life, and will never be forgotten but forever remembered and missed by all who were fortunate enough to know or have a connection with him. While we will miss his physical presence, we know that “The sun is on his face and the wind on his back.” May he continue to be a spirit guide to us all. Rest well beloved Dad, Bro. Rudy and King. Rest well.