Clark Archibald Richardson
Clark Archibald Richardson, 83, passed away on August 9, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Gale (Foulkes) Richardson. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Marjorie and Charles (Archibald) Richardson.
He leaves three children, Jill Richardson Coppolino and her husband John, Julie Richardson and Jeffrey Richardson, seven grandchildren, Jessica Richardson, Michael Coppolino, Mark Coppolino, Philip Coppolino, Jacob Richardson, Juliette Richardson and Eve Richardson, all of Rhode Island, one sister, Nancy R. Butler and her husband John of Honolulu, one brother-in-law, Robert Foulkes III and his wife Helen of Narragansett and one niece Jenifer Foulkes and her son Alexsandro. He was brother to the late Bruce Richardson.
A proud US Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, Clark graduated from Rhode Island College and retired from Chariho Regional High School after teaching for 20 years. He also worked for several family businesses including East Providence Rug Company, East Providence Cycle and Gille Drilling.
Throughout his life, Clark gave generously of his time and talents to many civic and recreational organizations. As a member of the East Providence Democratic City Committee, he served on both the East Providence Planning and Zoning Boards. He was also a member of the East Providence Elks and the American Legion. He sponsored an East Providence Little League Baseball team through his driving school, ACA Richardson Driver Training.
Clark was a lifelong athlete and avid recreational and competitive skier and bicyclist. He was a member of the Narragansett Bay Wheelmen bicycling club where he served as President of the club he loved for many years. He was also a member of the League of American Wheelmen and volunteered to support many rides including the MS 150 Ride. He completed numerous Century and Double Century bicycle rides throughout New England and toured extensively through the states of New York, Texas, Florida, Iowa, Oregon, California and Hawaii. One of his favorite rides was RAGBRAI, The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa; the oldest, longest, recreational touring event in the world.
As an avid skier, Clark skied the Alps and the mountains of Canada, Utah, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. A competitive slalom and mogul ski racer and member of the Mountain Meisters Ski Team, he participated in numerous competitions and accumulated many medals. His victories included championships of both the King of the Mountain and Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge downhill races.
Clark was also a skilled sailor and captained many boating adventures with friends and family.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 25 from 2-5 in Al’s Waterfront Restaurant and Marina, 28 Water Street in East Providence. Burial with military honors will be held on Monday, August 26 at 11AM in Seekonk Cemetery on Newman Ave, Seekonk, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Children’s Friend, 153 Summer Street, Providence, RI 02903.
