Boardman road dedicated to fallen soldier

By SEAN BARRON

news@vindy.com

BOARDMAN

A few sentences were all that was needed to encapsulate for those who knew and loved him the essence of the late Army Chief Warrant

Officer Donald V. Clark.

“Don was always ready when needed – and ready to do what needed to be done,” said his father, Donald Clark Sr. of Boardman. “Our family is blessed by his light.”

After graduating from Boardman High School in 1989, the younger Clark served two years in the Navy, part of which was spent as an electrical technician on a submarine. About 18 months after having received an honorable discharge, Clark enlisted in the Army, which included a tour of duty in Iraq.

On Nov. 15, 2008, Clark, 37, was killed in action near Mosul, Iraq.

For his service to and sacrifices for the nation, he was honored during Monday afternoon’s Donald V. Clark Memorial Highway dedication in the Boardman Township Administration Building.

The event also was on what would have been Clark’s 45th birthday.

A two-mile stretch of Market Street (state Route 7) from U.S. Route 224 to just north of Western Reserve Road was renamed in the fallen soldier’s honor.

Holding back tears at times, the elder Clark told a standing-room-only crowd of military personnel, firefighters, elected officials and others how his son, while stationed at Fort Knox, Ky., helped save a fellow soldier’s baby’s life.

Clark also shared several humorous anecdotes while recalling many of his son’s talents that included cooking, artwork and playing in Boardman High’s jazz and marching bands. The father also talked about Clark’s deep love for family, country and pets, and as someone who recognized the fragility of life.

“He lived every day as if it was the most important day of his life,” Clark said.

Concurring with that sentiment was the younger Clark’s niece, 19-year-old Paige Bode of Boardman, who attended the ceremony with her brother, Thomas Bode, 11, and Clark’s mother, Linda.

“He was the most upbeat, generous man. He never let anyone feel excluded, and he was empathetic,” said Paige, who also recalled her uncle’s excitement upon learning that her mother, Deana Bode, was pregnant with Paige’s younger brother.

It is hoped the two signs on Market Street, which are close to the Clark home, will be another way to hold their lost loved one closer to their hearts, said state Sen. Joe Schiavoni of Boardman, D-33rd, who helped organize the ceremony. The move also is an example of how many Mahoning Valley residents help pick up one another, he added.

Clark made the ultimate sacrifice, so his service and the example he set also should act as a reminder of how important it is that Americans remember and appreciate those who have served their country, said state Rep. John Boccieri of Poland, D-59th.

“He embodies what makes our country, our state and our Valley strong,” Boccieri said.

Making additional remarks was Boardman Township Trustee Larry Moliterno.

Also at the ceremony, Joyce Mistovich, chairwoman of the Boardman Park commissioners, presented to Clark’s parents a plaque that will be placed in the park’s Veterans Memorial area near the Maag Outdoor Arts Theater.

The couple also received a portrait from local artist Ray Simon that depicts a scene symbolic of Clark’s service with a small photograph of him.

In addition, the ceremony featured a color guard presentation by the Boardman Fire Department and several musical selections from the Boardman High School Chorale group.