Gary Martin Clark Jr.

Gary Martin Clark Jr. of Philadelphia, formerly of Milford, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 13, in Baltimore. He was 29.

He was a supervisor at Harrah’s Casino in Chester, Pa., and worked as a sales associate for Penntext in Philadelphia.

Son of Gary Martin Clark Sr. and April Lynn Bittle, he was born Aug. 12, 1984, in Port Jervis.

He was a 2003 graduate of Delaware Valley High School. He attended IUP honors college in Indiana, Pa., where he graduated summa cum laude with a BS in political science.

He proudly joined the U.S. Army to serve his country. He was a specialist, served as a 19D Cavalry Scout with Detachment 1 HC 1/109 Infantry. He was awarded an Army commendation medal, Army achievement medal and many others in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He volunteered for the AmeriCorps, helping rebuild New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. He attended the Center for American Studies at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He also assisted immigrants in Philadelphia in the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition.

His interests included hunting, fishing, playing the guitar and other instruments.

A family statement read: "We will miss his enthusiasm, sense of humor, creativity, and his ability to make friends every where he went. He will be remembered for his love of fun and charm."

Surviving include his father, Gary Clark Sr., and his companion, Donna DeGroat, of Milford; his mother, April Bittle and her companion, John Cass, of Port Jervis; his girlfriend, Jade Nguyen of Philadelphia; his sister, Tabbatha M. Hill and her husband, Evan, of Scranton; his paternal grandparents, William and Janet Clark of Matamoras, and maternal grandparents, John and Barbara O'Neill of White Mills, Pa.; his niece, Emma Jordyn Hill; and several loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was predeceased by his niece, Elizabeth Hope Hill.

Visitation was held at the GRAY-PARKER FUNERAL HOME in Port Jervis on May 18. Funeral services were held May 19 at the funeral home, with Pastor Russ Hepler officiating.

Burial with military honors was at Pine Grove Cemetery, Matamoras.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belford Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256 (woundedwarriorproject.com).