2021 Remembering Harry Clark

While cleaning up old email today I found the following that was sent to me on May 24, 2019 by Paul DiCorcia with the thoughts expressed by Brother Ron Riley. 

HARRY CLARK

Brothers,

For those of us old enough to have shared our years at the former Newark State College with Harry, it was a very special time. Sigma Beta Tau was a young fraternity comprised of young men who were active on campus; leaders who paved a path for future generations. The creed: Service, Brotherhood and Trust helped shape each one of us. The Vietnam War was raging, student activism was beginning and it was the era of Free Love.

During the years 1968-1972, Tau brothers held virtually every office in Student Organization:

• President-Bill Price

• Vice President then President: Bill Loehning

• Treasurer- Mike Naparano

• Treasurer – Tom Lindia

• Secretary-Carolyn Vetter Jolly, a Nu Theta Chi Sister

• Student Council- Far too many to name and remember accurately, but Harry Clark was a Council Member for sure.

Harry recruited me into the fraternity, and arguably it was the finest blue blood family one could imagine. Harry’s enthusiasm and passion for his Brothers was contagious. His love for Sigma Beta Tau and the service and good that was done drove him.

I was so proud to become his Little Brother. Our family included Bill Price, Bill Loehning, Harry Clark, myself, Ed Lupkin (my Little) and Tom Lindia and Bob Powers.

Harry took recruiting seriously and he emphasized the enormous responsibility each new pledge had and the fraternity’s plan for each of us. I was asked to run for President of the Freshman Class of “72. and I was elected.

Harry was a joker. He was funny and had a ready smile for everyone. He was a great singer and we all listened to him sing “The Impossible Dream” a hundred times. Greek Sings were soooo much better with his wide range. He thrilled so many couples at The Evergreen Lodge or Malone’s when he led us in singing “The Sweetheart Song”.

Harry Clark was the epitome of what Tau was about He was a great friend and brother. He was the best man at Pat and my wedding.

Those who knew Harry well, are better people as a result.

He will never be forgotten.

Rest In Peace, Brother

In Brotherhood,

Ron Riley

1 thought on “Remembering Harry Clark”

Stanley Martin April 29, 2023 at 11:55 am

Very well said about Harry. You hit the nail on the head. Brothers will always be brothers .we all shared great times together and served our school and community.