Industry Remembers Veteran and Pioneer Joe Clarke

ST. CHARLES, Illinois-Joe Clarke, a pioneer and innovator in the screen-printing industry passed away on Sept. 22. Clarke’s time in the industry spans multiple companies, roles, and decades.

Clarke was born in Youngstown, Ohio on Sept. 18, 1951. Entering the screen-printing industry after graduating high school, Clarke’s first foray into the market was his own business, Clarke’s Silk Screen. Clarke continued with his career contributing his knowledge at seminars and in technical articles, and released an extensive book on four-color process printing in the 1980s entitled “Control Without Confusion.” Further on, Clarke served various high-level roles in the industry, including vice president of flexible products at The M&R Companies, vice president at Wilflex/PolyOne, and as head of his own company, Clarke Product Renovation & Synergy Inks.

Closer to home, Clarke was a frequent contributor to Printwear as a columnist, as well as a constant well of information on in-depth, complicated topics related to the craft of screen printing. He also participated in multiple panels at THE NBM SHOW in past years, lending his extensive knowledge and insight in a friendly, helpful manner to attendees.

According to his obituary, Clarke is survived by his wife, Colleen, first wife Eileen, as well as his children Joe (Teresa), Colleen,  and Jay (Laura); stepsons William (Mindy) and Ryan (Kathy); grandchildren Brendan, Will, Cole, Ryan, Ryder, Dylan, Riley, Lily, and Rogan; brother Bob (Laurie), and sisters Elaine (Dan) and Susan (Randy).

Local memorial hours are set for 1 p.m.-3 p.m. on Oct. 5 at Yurs Funeral 405 E. Main Street, St. Charles, Illinois, followed by a Celebration of Life. Visit here for more information.

In place of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.