Thaddeus John Clark, Jr.

On September 13, 2022—after a brief illness-- Thaddeus John “Ted” Clark, Jr. glided onto the heavenly dance floor to be reunited in eternal happiness with the love of his life, Patricia “Ricky” Clark.

Born on March 29, 1936 to Virginia Goldblatt and Thaddeus Clark, he grew up running the streets of Arlington, VA with his beloved sisters, Mary and Dorothy. Together, they were raised with a cast of colorful characters in the Goldblatt family, riding bikes, going to movies and playing baseball.  Ted, who was nicknamed “Baully” by his family, never lacked for friends or getting into good mischief.  

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1953 to 1957 stationed in Cuba and, upon discharge, met a young lady at a party who had left the coal mining town of Windber, PA. After he introduced himself, he said he was going to marry her one day, and that’s exactly what he did. From the very beginning, they bonded through their love of dancing. He said that if they were riding in a car and a good song came on, they would pull off the road, get out and start dancing.

They danced through life together and enjoyed 57 years of marriage that was filled with abundant love, laughter and happiness. He co-raised 5 children who survive him—Ted (Mary), Doreen Hareford (Darwin), Dana, Tom and Kelly Littleton. He was also very proud of his son, Kenneth Langley. He valued family, faith and lifelong friendships and taught all his children a hard work ethic. Free time was filled with crab feasts, family reunions, friends visiting, Redskins games, swimming and date nights with Ricky. Later, he was able to enjoy vacation homes at Selby on the Bay, MD and Chincoteague, VA, where yet more memories were made and good times had. Work time was filled with a dedication to providing for ALL his loved ones. He exemplified the responsibilities of being a father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin and nephew well. From working several jobs at once while living in an apartment raising a family, he gradually rose to become a very successful businessman.

In retirement he continued dancing with Ricky and going on cruises- 33 in all! Spectators would applaud them dancing and film them with their phones. They never slowed down. He also enjoyed sharing time with his 8 grandchildren--Teddy IV, Charlie, Chris, D.J., Taylor, Anna, Maddy and Ally-- and 4 great-grandchildren.

After the death of his wife, he spent time on the golf course with the FROGS at Falls Run and special friends. The most rewarding part of his final years was that his children got time to take care of him and love him a little longer.

He would often say he was the luckiest man alive. But luck had nothing to do with it. He reaped the rewards of being a wonderful human being. All who knew him were the lucky ones.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. A Public Celebratory Reception will follow at Falls Run Club House from 4 to 6 p.m. Interment will be held privately.

Expressions of sympathy can take the form of donations to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital at the following website: https://www.stjude.org/about-st-jude/faq/how-can-i-donate-to-st-jude.html