Obituary for Todd A. Clarke
Todd A. Clarke, of Doylestown, PA passed away at his home in January 2023 from complications of heart and Lyme disease. Born January 9, 1954 into a military family, Todd experienced living in many places, including Morocco, Africa; Okinawa, Japan; Arkansas; and New Jersey. Family ties to the Delaware Valley brought Todd’s family back to Yardley, Bucks County. He resonated with the history and natural beauty of Bucks County and chose it as his home, living primarily in the Doylestown area most of his life.
Willing to strike out on his own, Todd, after pursuing studies in cinematography at Bucks County Community College and Temple University, chose to establish Clarke Spares & Restorations in 1976, providing expert repair and replacement parts for British sports cars, specializing in MG’s from the mid 1950-60’s. Traveling on foot across the UK, Todd established a unique supply and client base for his business. He gained a true appreciation for British engineering ingenuity which he shared with purveyors and clients around the globe for over 45 years.
Todd’s love of the cinema lead to teaching the art of film-making and the history of cinema at Bucks County Community College. Independent films he produced were recognized at several film festivals. He especially loved good mystery films, as well as the art of illusion via horror and science fiction movies. In later years he was drawn to the “mystique” of Archaeology, enjoying reading of important discoveries, as well as exploring and making discoveries on his own.
Todd enjoyed working outside on weekends, cutting and splitting wood and used his unique problem-solving talents to handle difficult tree removal projects. Todd had a natural gift for sharing and never arrived anywhere emptyhanded. He regaled family and friends with his hearty laugh and interesting conversation.
Todd was predeceased by his father, Capt. Charles E. Clarke, and mother, Marilyn (nee Engle) Clarke. He is survived by his brother Steven (Barbara) Clarke, sisters Susan Clarke and Jaye (David) Colon, nephews Caleb Hopkins and Andre Colon, nieces Emily Hopkins and Hillary (Dan Layfield) Clarke, and two great-nephews Henry and Charles Layfield. A Memorial Meeting will be held at the Yardley Friends Meeting House (65 N. Main St. Yardley, PA) on May 20, 2023 at 1:00 PM. All are welcome.
Willing to strike out on his own, Todd, after pursuing studies in cinematography at Bucks County Community College and Temple University, chose to establish Clarke Spares & Restorations in 1976, providing expert repair and replacement parts for British sports cars, specializing in MG’s from the mid 1950-60’s. Traveling on foot across the UK, Todd established a unique supply and client base for his business. He gained a true appreciation for British engineering ingenuity which he shared with purveyors and clients around the globe for over 45 years.
Todd’s love of the cinema lead to teaching the art of film-making and the history of cinema at Bucks County Community College. Independent films he produced were recognized at several film festivals. He especially loved good mystery films, as well as the art of illusion via horror and science fiction movies. In later years he was drawn to the “mystique” of Archaeology, enjoying reading of important discoveries, as well as exploring and making discoveries on his own.
Todd enjoyed working outside on weekends, cutting and splitting wood and used his unique problem-solving talents to handle difficult tree removal projects. Todd had a natural gift for sharing and never arrived anywhere emptyhanded. He regaled family and friends with his hearty laugh and interesting conversation.
Todd was predeceased by his father, Capt. Charles E. Clarke, and mother, Marilyn (nee Engle) Clarke. He is survived by his brother Steven (Barbara) Clarke, sisters Susan Clarke and Jaye (David) Colon, nephews Caleb Hopkins and Andre Colon, nieces Emily Hopkins and Hillary (Dan Layfield) Clarke, and two great-nephews Henry and Charles Layfield. A Memorial Meeting will be held at the Yardley Friends Meeting House (65 N. Main St. Yardley, PA) on May 20, 2023 at 1:00 PM. All are welcome.