M. Clarke Calyer

July 11, 1933-March 9, 2016

M. Clarke Calyer (82) passed away on March 9 in Middletown, N.Y., after a short illness.

Clarke was born on July 11, 1933 to Sadie and Morris Calyer. He was raised in Cornwall, where he was a multi-sport athlete in high school.

After completing his associate’s degree at Orange Community College, Clarke proudly enlisted in the U.S. Marines. He continued his education at the University of Maryland, where he became a passionate Terps fan. He also loved the football Giants.

Clarke earned a law degree, as well as a Masters degree in Public Administration at the University at Albany, where he continued studying history, long into adulthood.

He belonged to the Holland Society, as well as the Cornwall Chicken and Horse Thief Detecting Societies. A vigorous debater, he enjoyed lively discussions with family and friends.

After working as a judge, Clarke retired from the NYS Department of Transportation.  During retirement, he played golf with friends at the Storm King Golf Club, studied history, went to Saratoga, enjoyed his morning tea, read the New York Post; and visited family — especially his three sons and grandsons.

Clarke was a beloved father, brother, grandfather, and uncle. He is survived by his brother Vincent  (Irene) Calyer, former wife and friend Marguerite Calyer, sons Chris (Sue) Calyer, Kevin (Claudia) Calyer, Sean Calyer (Betty Chasan), and grandsons Evan, Luke, and Will, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, second cousins twice removed, and longtime friends. He will be truly missed.

To remember Clarke in a special way, people can make memorial contributions at www.fortticonderoga.org under the “donate” tab.

His family received visitors on March 14 at Quigley Brothers Funeral Home in Cornwall-on-Hudson. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on March 15 at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, and was followed by interment at St. Thomas Cemetery in Cornwall.