Celebrating the life of
Owen Eugene Clarke
July 09, 1933 - November 26, 2007
Prominent Irish-American Book Publisher dies in Savannah
Eugene Owen Clarke of Sun City, Bluffton, died Monday, November 26, 2007 after a six week battle with lung disease. Seventy four years of age, Eugene was born in Lenanavra, Mullagh, County Cavan, Republic of Ireland. A graduate of St. Patricks College, Cavan, Eugene boarded the boat to New York at the age of eighteen, accompanied by a younger sister. It was 1952.
Gene soon made his mark in the New York book publishing community, first landing assignments with Barnes & Noble. In later years, he oversaw the publication of many well-known works at Harper & Row, aka Harper Collins. In his later years in Bluffton, South Carolina, Gene became known as a retirement community activist, earning the respect of his neighbours and friends. Gene was an avid follower of politics and business, and enjoyed debating the issues of the day. He was President of the Cavan Men’s Association in the early 1960's.
Gene is survived by his wife Bonita, loving sisters, Ann & Theresa New York, Evelyn Dublin, and brother, James Clarke Lenanavra, Mullagh, County Cavan, Ireland. He is also survived by his three sons, Brendan, Ciaran, & Eoin, and grandchildren Sean, Mel & Nora.
Visitation: 5:00-9:00 PM, Wednesday at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 AM, Thursday at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
Burial to follow at St. Killians Church, Mullagh, Kells, Ireland.
Bonnie - I am heartbroken. Gene was a prince! Love, Roz
- roz barrow, new york, GA
My heartfelt condolences. I'll never forget the kindness and advice Gene so freely provided me when I first arrived in New York. He took me under his considerable wing. A true gentleman.
- Owen Mitchell, Darien, CT
Bonnie, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of Gene. We know you will miss him, but hope that in time happy memories will give you solace.
- Allan & Jean Cosgrove, Bluffton, SC
Bonnie - I am heartbroken. Gene was a prince! Love, Roz
- roz barrow, new york, GA
My heartfelt condolences. I'll never forget the kindness and advice Gene so freely provided me when I first arrived in New York. He took me under his considerable wing. A true gentleman.
- Owen Mitchell, Darien, CT
Bonnie, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of Gene. We know you will miss him, but hope that in time happy memories will give you solace.
- Allan & Jean Cosgrove, Bluffton, SC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
