Raymond E. Clarke, Jr., 85, of Bow, died on July 24, 2014 at his son’s home in Wilmot. He was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, on May 17, 1929, the son of Raymond E. Clarke, Sr. and Edith M. (White) Clarke Rathborn.

Ray lived in Bow for the past 20 years, previously residing in the Concord area and also in Wilmot. In his early years, he worked for the Indian motorcycle factory. He and his father painted metal barn roofs in Vermont and New Hampshire as well as steeples and drive-in movie theater screens.

From 1954 until last month he owned and operated R.E. Clarke’s Tree Service and did tree work for different states, cities, towns, and also private businesses and residences.

Ray was well liked and had an infectious laugh. He loved his family and work and enjoyed going to the casino and playing the slot machines.

He was predeceased by his sister, Madeline Dukette and a stepson, William Piroso. Members of his family surviving include his wife of 20 years, Marjorie (Charpentier) Piroso Clarke of Bow; five children: Kenneth and his wife Donna Clarke of Wilmot, Joanne Sawtelle of Pensacola, Florida, Rita Porter of Manchester, Raymond and his wife Stephanie Clarke of Brooksville, Florida, and Deborah Clarke and her husband Albert LeBlanc of Bradford; two stepsons, Alan and his wife Faith Piroso of Warner and Brian Piroso of Penacook; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and step-great grandchildren; three sisters, Florence C. Gove of Andover, Jacqueline H. Gagne of Port Richey, Florida, and Kathleen O’Shea of Hudson, Florida; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends called at the Chadwick Funeral Home in New London on Sunday, July 27. A graveside service was held in Blossom Hill Cemetery, Concord, on Monday, July 28.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lake Sunapee Region Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice, PO Box 2209, New London 03257.