Joseph M

Clark

THE HONORABLE JOSEPH M. CLARK, Esq. The Honorable Joseph M. Clark, Esq. 71, of Englewood, New Jersey passed away on November 2, 2014. He was the oldest son born to Willa Cherot and the late Walter Clark. Judge Joseph M. Clark graduated from St. Cecilia's R.C. High School, where he was a member of the Hall of Fame. He attended St. John's University and graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Judge Clark also attended Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey School of Law-Newark with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. He was certified to practice before all New Jersey State and Federal courts as well as the U.S. Supreme Court. He received a graduate Regional Heber Smith Fellowship and worked with the Union County Legal Services Program. In 1973, Judge Clark was assigned as the First African-American Assistant County Prosecutor and Deputy Assistant Attorney General in Bergen County. He was appointed in 1974 as the First Public Defender for the City of Englewood. In 1975, he was then appointed as the First African-American Judge in Bergen County, where he served as a Municipal Court Judge in Englewood, New Jersey for over 30 years. Judge Clark was a guest lecturer at the Bergen County Police Academy and at the New Jersey State Municipal Court Judges Conferences. In addition to his many accomplishments, Judge Clark also was a graduate of the National Judicial College where he received an Instructor Certification in Drug and Alcohol addiction. Judge Clark formerly served as a legal advisor for the Child Care Coordinating Council of Bergen County, Leonard Johnson Nursery School, Vincent K. Tibbs Child Development Center and The Bergen County Alternatives to Domestic Violence Program. He was a former member of the Urban League of Bergen County Credit Union Board. The Honorable Joseph M. Clark was a member of Shiloh Masonic Lodge #53, Queen of Sheba Lodge #4, the Holy Royal Arch, Knights Templar and Golconda Lodge #24 of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine "Shriners". As Council of Law since 1971 and until his passing, Joseph continued practicing law independently; which was one of his passions. He leaves to mourn, his beloved wife, Patricia Clark, his mother Willa Cherot of Englewood, NJ, his sister Arba Clark of Martha's Vineyard, MA, his brother Walter Clark and his wife Anna of Englewood, NJ and host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A Memorial Service to be held at a later date.