March 1, 1985
MIDDLEBORO: - Attorney Fletcher Clark Jr., 94, Middleboro’s
leading citizen and noted American Legion member, died on Friday at St. Lukes Hospital at 3
a.m. after becoming ill at his East Grove Street home. Funeral services were held on Monday
morning in the Church of Our Saviour.
…………. An Honor Guard from the Simeon L. Nickerson Post 64, American Legion, rendered military
honors both at the church and the Nemasket Hill Cemetery. The Rev. Bruce Benshoff, rector of
the Church of Our Saviour officiated.
…………Mr. Clark was the founder of Post 64 by having an organizational meeting on June 23, 1919.
He was named temporary chairman and was elected on December 19, 1919 as first Post Commander
to serve for the year 1920, according to a report in the April 1985 Post newsletter “Nickerson
News.”
……….Editor Jerry Shaw of “Nickerson News” also listed many other of Past Commander’s Clark’s
many American Legion accomplishments: … “a member of this Post for 66 consecutive years.
Fletcher served as Marshall for Memorial and Veterans Day parades for over 60 years, a
position he held at the time of his death.”
………”He also served as treasurer of the building fund. On September 15, 1933, the Post amended
the by-laws to create the position of Judge Advocate. Fletcher was elected to this office and
held it continuously to the time of his passing.”
………. Commander Mildred Delfino released this statement: “To his family go our deepest
sympathy. He did much for this post and as well for individual members. He will surely be
missed and never forgotten.”
……….The Middleboro Gazette in an article by reporter Jane Lopes in the March 7, 1985 edition,
highlighted her report on Mr. Clark’s death in the opening paragraph… “Long-time residents
have likened the death of Atty. Fletcher Clark, Jr. last Friday to the passing of an era.”
……..She further reported on reflected comments from several Town officials. “It’s a tremendous
loss,” said Chairman of the Selectmen Stephen D. Morris. “He did more for this town than most
people. He was just a great figure, a person who led a full life and devoted a great portion
of that life to public service.”
……….Town Manger Anders Martenson, Jr. said “I considered him Mr. Middleboro. “ He was a great
man who did an awful lot for the town, one of the most distinguished men we’ve ever had in
Middleboro.”
……… Mr. Clark retired in 1974 as town moderator after 52 years of directing town meetings. At
a special town meeting in 1983, nearly ten years after he retired as moderator, he was guest
of honor of the townspeople and received many citations including “a brass plaque to be
affixed to the podium in the auditorium.”
……….. That same podium with the brass plaque is still in prominent use. It serves as the
citizen speaker platform for folks addressing Selectmen at weekly meetings. Further, the
podium is used during Memorial and Veterans Day ceremonies.
………..The town of Middleboro dedicated a full page in its 1985 Annual report to Mr. Clark, Jr.
A full page photo with a tribute comment printed in his memory : “The Town of Middleboro
wishes to express thanks and appreciation to Fletcher Clark, Jr. with affection and esteem for
his fifty-years (52)years of faithful service as Town Moderator.”
...............(Compiled By Bob Lessard Historian 2014.)
View more history for Post 64 in Middleborough, Massachusetts
