Obituary of Alexander Clark Jr.

Alexander Clark Jr. 83, passed away on Friday, January 27, 2023. 

Born to Helen and Alexander Clark, Sr. in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Surrounded by a loving family and a circle of great friends, Alexander lived in North Carolina, until joining the Marines in 1959. While attending North Carolina Central University, influenced by the initial stages of the Viet Nam Conflict, Alexander made the decision to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. This decision to serve was followed by a lifetime of service to others.

Early in his tour of duty, Alexander was meritoriously promoted and selected by his Commanding Officer to be a member of the Marine Corp Presidential Guard Command in Washington D.C. where his duties included the safety and security of the President of the United States, John F. Kennedy.  He also served in Florida as part of the Special Forces to invade Cuba during the Russia-Cuba Missiles Crisis of 1963.

After leaving the Marines, Alexander was appointed a member of the Paterson, NJ Police Department, serving from 1964 through 1984. Alexander became an officer during” the riots of the sixties”. Because of his outstanding and courageous performance during this crisis, the City of Paterson administration and the Police Department honored him with several “hero medals”. At this time, Alexander was promoted to Detective, becoming the youngest and quickest to receive such a promotion.

Throughout his Police career, Alexander continued to be an exemplary police officer, setting records in felony arrests and convictions, serving as the Department’s Drug Enforcement expert, working with Federal, State and Local Agencies for more than 10 years.  During this time, Alexander was awarded twenty “hero medals”. As well as serving his community as a police officer, Alexander also served his community through his involvement in civil, religious, and educational groups.

After leaving Paterson Police Department, Alexander went on to become a security expert for private corporations. Most recently, Alexander owned and operated Alex Clark Associates, a private security agency.

As Alexander maintained a fulfilling career in law enforcement and public safety and security, he also pursued educational growth. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Safety Administration and a Master of Arts Degree in Urban Education and Community Affairs from William Paterson University. He also earned a Master of Education Degree in Sociology and Education from Columbia University. 

Alexander loved gardening and working in his yard. He was keenly interested in politics.  He was a person of conviction and determination, and an independent thinker. Having a true compassion for those in need, Alexander was generous with his time, assistance, and support of friends, family, and strangers.

Alexander is survived by his wife, Becky; his daughter, Casey Lauren, son, Michael; his brothers, Clarence Young and John Lee; his sister, Carolyn Simpkins; his nieces, Genia Young Scornaienchi, Alesia Young Lowe, Addison Lee, and Angela Mc Neill; his nephew, Adrian Reed; his best friend, Hal.

Alexander was preceded in death by his son, Algernon Clark.

He also leaves behind many beloved friends, associates, and employees.

On his 83^rd birthday, after much reflection, Alexander felt fortunate that he could say, “I have lived my life with no regrets”.

                                                                                            Semper Fi

All arrangements are private, by Tuttle Funeral Home, 272 Route 10, Randolph (www.tuttlefh.com).

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to K.I.N.D. UNICEF www.unicefusa.org