Leroy L. Clark

LEROY L. CLARK, 91, died on Saturday, October 2, 2010 in his home after an extended illness.Born October 16, 1918, in Perkins, Oklahoma, son of Arthur and Eva (Strickler) Clark. Graduated from Perkins High School in 1936. He moved to California where he worked for Newhall Farm and Land Company prior to being called into military service in Palmdale, California on August 4, 1941 and he later transferred to the Camp Grant Medical Training Center in Rockford, Illinois. Upon the closing of Camp Grant, he was sent to Headquarters Company in Fort Lewis, Washington to establish a new Medical Training Center there. He was a Staff Sergeant and received the Meritorious Service Plaque, American Defense Service Medal, American Theater Service Medal, Good Conduct World War II Victory Medal and Army Commendation Medal. He was discharged from the United States Army on December 2, 1945.He married Carmella Ingrassia in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Rockford, Illinois on November 12, 1944 and they enjoyed 66 loving years of marriage. He joined Ingrassia Furniture in Rockford after completing his military service and was an owner and partner for many years prior to his retirement in September 1982. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and volunteered his services for 20 years to the Cornucopia Pantry and to Meals on Wheels. He was also a member of the American Legion. Survivors include his wife, Carmella Ingrassia Clark of Rockford; his brother, Alpha Clark of Sylmar, California; and his sister, Viola Gardner of El Dorado, Kansas. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by six siblings. Visitation Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at Holy Family Catholic Church from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. with the Mass of the Resurrection to follow at 10:45 a.m. with Father Salvatore J. Guagliardo officiating. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center, 4215 Newburg Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108 or to Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford, Illinois 61107.