Donald A. Clark

ALLEGANY — Donald A. Clark, 79, passed away Wednesday (Dec. 24, 2025) at the Buffalo VA Hospital.

Born Feb. 2, 1946, in Allegany, he was the son of Jared and Marie Bean Clark.

He attended Allegany Central School and was then drafted into the U.S. Army in 1964 and served until 1966. During his time of service, he was awarded the Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medal.

Don worked with great passion and dedication his entire life. In his earlier days, he was a mechanic for VW and a meat cutter at BJ’s Wholesale Club. Later on in life, Don opened and serviced his own mechanic’s garage, where he worked on cars for the people of Allegany and shared some of his knowledge with his loved ones.

Don spent most of his time with a fishing pole or three in his hand. Whether he was crawling out onto the ice by wooden plank or casting from the boat, he could spend hours on the water.

He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, attending their sports games, concerts, graduations and every birthday. He taught them each how to fish, along with countless other life lessons.

Don liked to hunt and was happiest outdoors. He liked to wake up early and start his day with a warm cup of coffee and some quality time with buddies at Tim Hortons in town. Don spent a lot of time in the garage working, too, where he worked tirelessly on cars for his family and community.

Don is survived by his brother, Willie Clark of Hinsdale; sister, Joyce Clark Larabee of Olean; his daughter, Tamara Clark Young of Erie, Pa.; and son, DJ Clark, of Allegany. Don is also survived by his loving granddaughters, Kaitlin and Hannah Young, Sarah (Justin) McKay, JoHanna Clement, JoceLyn and JaiLee Clark; and his beautiful great-granddaughter, Maysen McKay. Don is survived by many loving nieces, nephews and lots of kind friends and fishing buddies.

Don is preceded in death by his mother, Marie Clark, whom he adored; his father, Jared Clark; and his dear siblings, Ann Riordan, Marian Ratzel, Bill Clark, Jared Clark and Alan Clark.

Friends will be received from 4 to 6 p.m. today (Dec. 30, 2025) at the Casey, Halwig and Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 West State Road, Olean. Services will begin at 6 p.m. with military honors being accorded by the Allegany American Legion Ritual Team, followed by a funeral service.