Obituary of William C Clarke, III

William C. Clarke III, 78

Born: March 24, 1940 in Baltimore, MD

Died: July 16, 2018 in Danbury, CT

Mr. William Charles Clarke (Bill) passed away Monday at Danbury Hospital after struggling with kidney and heart failure.  He was 78. 

He graduated from Dickinson College in 1962 with an A.B. and earned his law degree from Columbia Law School in 1965.

Mr. Clarke started his career as a young lawyer in international aviation.  He joined the legal department of Pan American World Airways in 1967. In late 1971, he helped to start up Amtrak.  Mr. Clarke then joined British Airways in 1973, running their US legal department. Ultimately, the team he led fought and won the battles to bring the Concorde into the United States.  He finally went into private practice and held partnerships with several NY firms including Lord Day Lord, Barrett Smith and Fulbright & Jaworski specializing in lease finance of aircrafts, trains, and ships.  Mr. Clarke retired in 2002.

Bill had a passion for his dogs, reading, salt water fishing, photography, and family.  He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; his three daughters, Katherine, Elizabeth, and Jennifer; and his six beautiful grandchildren. 

A private burial is planned.  A memorial service will be held at a later date yet to be determined.