Obituary of Franklin D. Clark

Former Poughkeepsian of the year, Franklin (Frank) D. Clark aka "The Green Grocer" passed away August 17, 2017. Born November 16, 1941, Newburgh NY to James and Marion Clark both deceased. Frank is survived by his former wife and mother of his daughters; Barbara (Benedict) Clark, his daughters Cristle Clark of Poughkeepsie, Kelly Clark of Poughkeepsie, Shannon Shook and husband Lee Shook of Poughkeepsie. His Grandson Andrew Clark of Cairo and several great grandchildren, his sister Audrey Janke of Ft. Myers Florida, and several Nieces and Nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Mary Francis Andrews and brother James Clark. Besides his daughters, Franks other great love was his deli; The Main Mall Green Grocer. He loved being in the hub of down town. Always willing to help anyone who needed a meal, hot coffee or just to be inside for friendly conversation. Before and after owning The Main Mall Green Grocer his long time career was a top notch haberdasher, known for his great taste and customer service. Frank talked about the Green Grocer everyday and so badly wanted to open another business if only to be out in the community and bring life to the city. Since coming to Poughkeepsie in 1960 Frank had been part of every kind of committee, council, and board he possibly could, including running for First Ward Councilman and was an integral part of initiating the revitalization of Kaal Rock Park. Poughkeepsie was Frank's life and passion, he was voted Poughkeepsian of the year in 1996. You could often see him riding the former city bus line, having a coffee in Alex's, with his weekly breakfast club at Take 5 Deli, enjoying the walkway, the Hudson River and causing the occasional ruckus at the common council meetings trying to get his beloved city back to where he knew it should be. Frank's creed in life was "Treat people the way you would like to be treated." If you have run into Frank over the past few years, chances are he was with his daughter Kelly. She was always by his side with a smile and sharing in Frank's love of running into someone to chat. She was his constant caregiver and dedicated the past few years of her life to his care, comfort and was with him until he took his journey home. In March 2015, Kelly put a check mark on both their bucket lists and took her father to see Neil Diamond (his favorite performer), going together was something Kelly always wanted and now is a memory she will have forever. The family would like to thank the Drs. and staff at Vassar Brothers Medical Center, The Heart Center and Coumadin Clinic, Dutchess Dialysis Center, Advanced Kidney Care, The Vascular Group, The Center for Wound Healing at Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital, Health Quest Home Care and Hospice of Dutchess County. Frank's wishes were to be cremated. There will be a gathering for friends and neighbors to celebrate Frank's life at St. Simeon I community room, 700 Second Mile Drive, Poughkeepsie NY on Sunday September 3rd, between 12 and 4.