Paul E. Clark

Paul E. Clark, 72, died peacefully on September 24, 2023, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Susan M. Sek, whom he married on February 12, 1998. They were together as an inseparable team for 33 years.

Born in Reading, Paul was the son of Paul C. and Kathryn (Parker) Clark. He graduated from Muhlenberg High School and obtained an A.B. in English Literature from Albright College. For 15 years, he was a community organizer against the war in Vietnam and for the Poor People’s campaign and against the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Paul continued his education and received a Master of Art in Religion and a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries from Lancaster Theological Seminary. He became an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ in 1998. He also worked as a librarian for 27 years, a teacher, and as a minister for 25 years. He eventually became the Chaplain of Albright College and served in that capacity for 15 years. He last served St. Mark’s United Church of Christ in Reading, PA.

Paul was also a prolific reader (well over 1000 books!). He spent a lifetime in creative writing, including pages and pages of poetry, as well as three mystery novels, collectively called The Three Flights of Raven. Paul was fascinated with television characters from the time he was a child, and became entranced by the character Frank Black, in the Fox Television series, Millennium (1996-1998). He studied and taught about that character and was asked to contribute a chapter to the collection of essays entitled Back to Frank Black: A Return to Chris Carter’s Millennium (2012). He loved music, could create a song about almost anything, and could remember lyrics from songs he heard years ago. He also enjoyed films immensely. Crosswords, photographs, collage making, going on walks, and exploring used-book stores were also some of his favorite pastimes. Paul had a delightful sense of humor, and genuinely enjoyed talking to others and sharing his thoughts on life and politics.

Paul was predeceased by his parents and sister, Carol (Kistler) Ashworth. In addition to his wife, Susan, Paul is survived by his loving family: brother, Michael J. Clark and his wife, Christine Elliott, niece, Robin Kistler, and her partner Tina Trate, nephew Jeff Kistler, and his wife, Beth, and their children, Jeffrey, Lindsey and Megan, brother-in-law, Robert Ashworth, mother-in law, Carole Bowen, and brother-in-law, Tom Sek, and his wife, Trisha.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Condolences may be expressed on the legacy page of Milkins Trymbiski Funeral Home in Temple, Pa. https://www.milkinstrymbiskifuneralhome.com/

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Paul’s memory to The Children of the Night at https://childrenofthenight.org  

There are few words that can describe the impact of the life of someone like Paul on his family, friends, and community. He was truly a great soul. Poet, peacemaker, nuclear war activist, minister, fabulous preacher, teacher, great friend, loving husband, and compassionate listener to all. Paul was and still is a shining light to many. We will all deeply miss his wise counsel. In his last days, he was filled with love and gratitude.

“The time is always right to do what is right.”

• Martin Luther King, Jr.