Graham Clarke

Graham Clarke NEWPORT — Graham Clarke, age 79, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2021, in Dover, after a period of failing health. Graham was the youngest child of Ernest Cassius and Mary MacArthur Clarke. He was born in Newport and lived most of his life on Maple Street. After completing eighth grade in Newport, his family moved to Alabama and Graham graduated from West End High School in Birmingham. He then entered the Air Force where he served in the Air Police. After leaving the Air Force, he married the love of his life, Peggy Blaine. They eventually moved back to Newport and raised their family. Graham worked at Dorr Woolen for a few years then became employed at Sturm, Ruger & Co. where he worked for 35 years and retired in 2003. He was proud of the fact he held employee badge #2 for the time clock. Along with raising animals and other hobbies, some of Graham’s favorite things to do were to spend time with family and friends and to go for long rides on old back roads. He shared many of those long rides with his grandsons which has given them many fond memories. Graham was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Audrey Walker, Iris Lee, Dean Clarke, Ross Clarke and Brandt Clarke. He was also predeceased by his wife, Peggy. Graham is survived by his daughters, Kaara Gonyo and her husband, Roger Jr., of Newport, Darlene Reid and her husband, John, of Webster; and four grandsons, Kyle Gonyo, Kraig Gonyo and his wife, Brittany, Timothy Reid and his wife, Colleen, and Bradley Reid and his wife, Beth. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Kaplen, Parker, Olivia, Connor, Charlotte; and several nieces and nephews. A special thank you to the staff at Riverside Rest Home, Unit 5, and Kristi for arranging the FaceTime visits, as well as Beacon Hospice and Hyder Family Hospice House for their outstanding care during Graham’s stay. Their wonderful care gave tremendous comfort to his family. Graham’s family also wants to extend a thank you to all of those who were supportive and understanding during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of the following: Riverside Rest Home – Unit 5, 276 County Farm Road, Dover, NH 03820; or Beacon Hospice/Hyder Family Hospice House, 285 County Farm Road, Dover, NH 03820. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2021, at 1 p.m. in North Newport Cemetery, Newport, New Hampshire. Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.