Harry Clark Conklin

Harry Clark Conklin, 93, passed away October 7, 2022 with his current wife Lorraine Conklin at his side at home in Rustburg, Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his parents Eleanor and Carroll Edison Conklin, his brother Carroll (wife Concetta) Conklin, his daughter Robin (husband Peter) Crosby and his former wife of twelve years, Susan DeForest Day (Champion) Conklin. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine (Caiaffo) Conklin and four sons,Vernon (wife Beverly) Conklin of Connecticut, Bryan (wife Deborah) Conklin of Virginia, Mark (wife Janet) Conklin of Connecticut, and Keith Conklin of Florida as well as a niece Nancy Carol (husband William) Brosokas and two nephews Carroll (wife Annette) Conklin and Frank Conklin. He had twelve grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Harry was born on June 15, 1929 in Deep River, Connecticut. He grew up in the Deep River, Ivoryton, and New Haven areas of Connecticut and graduated from Hillhouse High School in 1949. In 1950, he enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean War for 4 years and served as a Weather Observer in Alaska. He received the National Defense Service Medal and an honorable discharge in 1954. For a short time he worked for Armstrong Tire Manufacturer. Then he established a career as an Auto Mechanic for Caruso’s Garage in New Haven, CT for 35 years until his retirement in 1991 after which time he moved to Ladylake, Florida. His final move was to Virginia to be closer to family where he lived out the last years of his life.

His final resting place will be at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.

A memorial service in celebration of Harry’s life is to be held at Forest Community Church in Forest, Virginia on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 11 AM.  Family and friends are invited to gather at that time as well as to share a memory or condolences with the family at Tharp Funeral Home’s website.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.  To send condolences, please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.