Beresford Clarke

Obituary of Beresford Augustus Clarke

Beresford Augustus Clarke was born on January 5, 1943 in Fyffes Pen, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica W.I., to Charles Augustus Clarke and Estella Bailey. Beresford was referred to as Ronnie, Mass Ron, Clarkie, Reds and Fargo, but most fondly called Ronnie. Ronnie started providing for his family at a young age. Ronnie was industrious and held various professions throughout his life. At the age of 16, he became a DJ at a dancehall in St. Elizabeth. Since he was under the age of 18, he received payment in the form of vinyl records, starting his love of music, dancing and a diverse record collection. In the fall of 1964, Ronnie began contract employment with the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association out of Belle Glade, Florida, which provided him with sponsorship to the United States. The year 1964 was the of dawn a new chapter in his life: the birth of his first son. 1966 brought about another son. Ronnie continued his employment with the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association for the next five years. They provided him with a green card in 1968 which allowed him to receive permanent residency in the United States. The year 1968 brought along another son. By 1969, Ronnie would become the father of two twin girls. Sadly, one daughter closed her eyes in death a year after her birth. Ronnie worked in Orlando for a little less than a year doing agricultural work until he relocated to Brooklyn, New York in 1970. Here he became employed as a machinist with Amstar Corporation (currently known as Domino Sugar). Ronnie became a United States Citizen on January 21, 1975. In the early part of 1976, Ronnie worked as a taxi and limousine driver throughout New York City. In that same year, he met his soon to be wife at a dance party among good friends. They were married in June of 1978 and as a result, celebrated 42 years of marriage this year. In 1978, they welcomed another daughter. In the winter of 1979, his wife’s two boys completed the family tree when they arrived in Brooklyn from Belize City, Belize. Ronnie worked with Domino Sugar for 29 years until he retired to Florida in May of 1999. Ronnie enjoyed the game of dominoes like no other and he contributed to the local community when he became a founding member of the Port Charlotte Domino Club in 2005. In the last months of his life, Ronnie displayed calm, gracious strength and maintained his sense of humor despite his illness. He passed away peacefully at home with his dear wife by his side on November 11, 2020. Ronnie was part of a big family that extended from Jamaica to England to Canada and throughout the United States. Ronnie was a family man with a beautiful heart to match. He made sacrifices throughout the years that steadily reflected his care and concern for his family's best interests. Ronnie is survived and dearly missed by his wife, their children and his siblings. Ronnie will also be deeply missed by his numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends that were like family.
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