Clarke Sperry, 84, of Harrison, Ohio passed away on November 23, 2018 following a short illness. He was born to parents Pierce and Gladys Sperry on April 19, 1934, in Middlefield, Ohio. Clarke graduated from University School in Shaker Heights, Ohio in 1952 and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Williams College in Williamstown, MA in 1956. He went on to run the family business his father founded, Sperry Rubber & Plastics, through the 1960's,70's & into the 80's, whereupon he became a founding partner in Alco Standard Corporation when they acquired the company. Clarke was widely regarded as one of the leading experts in the burgeoning rubber and plastics industry.
Clarke married Ann Elizabeth Birdsall, his wife of 62 years who survives him, on July 14, 1956. He is also survived by his sisters Sue Davenport of Lancaster, PA, and Janet Mauthe of Chappell, NE, son Marc Sperry of Salisbury, MD and daughters Deborah Kerr of Columbus, OH and Lisa Lynch of Foxboro, MA in addition to 10 beloved grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Clarke was an avid golfer and fisherman who enjoyed traveling with Ann to destinations around the world that hosted both sports. He also had a love of horseback riding, baseball, cards and later in life, woodworking. He was a frustratingly good cribbage player who taught his children and many of his grandchildren to play. In his later years he played competitive bridge and enjoyed making furniture as a hobby. He was also an avid Cincinnati Reds and Bengals fan and rarely missed an opportunity to watch them play.
A Gathering of Friends will be held on Saturday, December 8, 2018, from 2:00 PM till the time of the Memorial Service at 3:00 PM at the Brater Winter Funeral Home, 201 S. Vine Street in Harrison, OH 45030. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials are made to the Alzheimer's Association through the funeral home.
Gathering of Friends
DEC 8. 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (EST)
Brater Winter Funeral Home - Harrison
201 S. Vine St.
Harrison, OH, 45030
Memorial Service
DEC 8. 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (EST)
Brater Winter Funeral Home - Harrison
201 S. Vine St.
Harrison, OH, 45030
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