William Clarkson, Jr.

In loving memory of William Ewart Clarkson Jr., 90, of Connellsville, PA, who passed away peacefully at Excela Frick Hospital on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, surrounded by loved ones during his final days.

Bill was born October 25, 1930, to the late William Ewart Clarkson Sr. and the late Alice (Cope) Clarkson of 4th Avenue, Scottdale, PA.

After serving in the Air Force during the Korean War, he was employed at Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation.  He retired in 1984 to focus on the truly important things in life, time spent with family and friends.  Bill enjoyed biking, coaching and umpiring, teaching swimming, camping, dart ball and traveling.  He had a life-long passion for anything sports related, and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates and Penguins fan.  He was a member of the Everson VFW Post 595, NCHA (National Campers & Hikers Assoc.), Belle Aires Camping Club, and was a PIAA (PA Interscholastic Athletic Assoc.) official of Swimming/Diving, Softball and Volleyball.  Bill understood the spirit of volunteerism and spent many hours at the Scottdale/Mt. Pleasant YMCA, where he also celebrated his 90th birthday with many family and friends in 2020.  He was a member of First Baptist Church, Scottdale and a more recent attendee of Jacob’s Creek United Methodist Church where he married the love of his life nearly 64 years ago.

Bill will be forever remembered by his devoted family.   He was the much-loved husband of Florence (Porter) Clarkson of Scottdale.  He was a loving father of four, Karen Czerniak and her husband Tim of Smithfield, VA; Karl Clarkson and his husband Wes Steele of Fairmont, WV; Donn Clarkson and his wife Lauren of Lompoc, CA; and Janice Dagney and her husband Joe of Cochranville, PA.  He also experienced the joy of grandchildren, Adam and Sean Czerniak; Kendra, Kelsey and Kami Clarkson; Jamie, Jacob, Jaycee and Jarod Dagney; and was blessed to have four great-grandchildren, Ella, Bradyn, Skyler and August.  Bill is also survived by his brother, Ed Clarkson of Lakewood, FL, and many nieces and nephews.

At Bill’s request, cremation is planned and he will be interred at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, PA in the near future.  A celebration of his life will be scheduled at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Regional Family YMCA of Laurel Highlands Annual Campaign, 490 Bessemer Road, Mt. Pleasant, PA 15666.

Our loved one, “Bill, Dad, Grandpap, Great-Grandpap” IS a beautiful soul!  He lived a simple and satisfying life; he led by example and loved unconditionally; he was rich in family and generous in spirit; he embodied and passed along the morals, values and integrity we all strive to emulate.  He will be missed and remembered with great love!

Arrangements are in the care of GRAFT-JACQUILLARD FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, INC. Scottdale.  Condolences are welcome at www.gjfuneral.com