William E. Clarke Jr

William E. Clarke Jr 1923 – 2023

William E. Clarke Jr, of Napa, California passed away peacefully on March 19, 2023,
just a handful of months before turning 100 years old. “Bill”, as he was affectionately
known, was born in Fresno, California on August 7, 1923 to William E Clarke, Sr. and
Alice Potterton. As a California native, Bill grew up and spent his whole life in the Napa
Valley. His favorite times were spent out at the Clarke family ranch in American Canyon
working with his uncles to run the ranch, riding horses and enjoying life. He always said
“I was the luckiest kid alive”.
Bill graduated from Napa High School 1942 and later attended Cal Poly – San Luis
Obispo and UC Berkely to study industrial engineering. Before he could complete his
studies, Bill joined the US Army in 1946 and served in Japan for two years. On his
return to the states, he went to work at the Mare Island naval shipyard and retired from
the shipyard after 36 years.
In April of 1946 Bill married the first love of his life, Norma Armstrong of Napa. They
lived in Napa where they raised their two children, Carole and Gary. Bill and Norma
were married for over 40 years until her passing in 1995. In 1998 Bill then met the
second love of his life, Bernice Persico of Napa. The two of them had just celebrated
their 25 th anniversary shortly before Bill’s passing.
Bill was friendly, generous and loving in all that he did. He was always ready to help a
neighbor in need and was known for his sharp mind that could recall many interesting
stories from his 99 years in the Napa Valley. Bill was an avid collector of duck decoys
and had a talent for carving them out of old redwood rail ties. He has carved more than
70 ducks, and over the years took pride in giving them away to the special people in his
life. Bill was fond of giving back to the community and had served for 20 years as a
volunteer at the Queen of the Valley Hospital.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, William and Alice Clarke, his first wife Norma, his
sister Lois and his stepsons Tim and Vic Persico. He is survived by his wife Bernice
Clarke of Napa, his two children Carole (Chris) Riza of Sacramento, Gary (Teri) Clarke
of American Canyon, his stepson Tom (Joline) Persico of Portland, Maine, and a
grandson and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11am on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at the Tulocay
Cemetery Chapel followed by internment and a reception at the Tulocay Reception
Center, 411Coombsville Road, Napa CA 94559.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bill’s memory to the Queen of the Valley
Foundation, 1000 Trancas Street, Napa CA 94558 or to Providence Community Health
Foundation Hospice (Formerly Collabria Care – Collabria Hospice) 414 South Jefferson
Street, Napa CA 94559.

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