Clarke C. Herdic

Clarke Herdic, of the Village of Champlain, passed away on April 23, 2021 at home in his favorite chair with family surrounding him as he desired. He fought a brave battle against acute myeloid leukemia. His final wish was to be among his loved ones. We thank Hospice for their dedication and support in making this happen.

Clarke was born in Buffalo, NY on November 16, 1943 to Charles and Mary (Williams) Herdic. He graduated from West Seneca High School in 1961 and received his Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Brockport in physical education in 1965. He continued his education at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he completed a Master’s degree and was awarded a Doctorate in Exercise Science from the University of Buffalo. 

When the newly organized Clinton Community College was hiring teachers in 1969, Clarke applied and became one of the first members of the faculty. He taught health education, first aid, and many activity classes, including hiking, camping, and cross country skiing. It was these activity courses that he hoped would provide students with lifelong appreciation for the outdoors. He also coached several Clinton teams. In addition, Clarke offered week long canoe/ camping trips for teens during many summers where they could explore the Adirondacks. He retired from CCC in 2006. 

Community involvement was one of his top priorities and Clarke served in many roles including Village of Champlain Justice, Northeastern Clinton School Board member, and currently was serving in his second term as Town of Champlain Councilman and as president of the Northern Tier Housing Board. Clarke was also a longtime sports official for high school and college soccer, high school baseball and softball. For several years he was the assignor of soccer games.

Although his career was in education, Clarke was well known for his woodworking skills, particularly his construction of Windsor chairs and other furniture. He never met an old building he didn’t want to restore and was currently working on the old Falcon Drug Store in the Village of Champlain. He was also co-owner with his wife of the Champlain Meeting House which he renovated over several years.

Clarke was predeceased by his parents, an older brother at birth, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his loving wife Janet McFetridge and his children: Chris Herdic and wife Joanne Greene, Stephanie DeGirolamo and husband Dan, Molly Duteau and husband Mike, Colin Price and wife Sarah, Caitrin Herdic Chiantia and husband Thomas, and Connor Herdic. He also has nine grandchildren including Kovalum and Emily Herdic, Sydney and Ben DeGirolamo, Jonathan and Jackie Duteau, Sage and Leah Price, and Gwendolyn Chiantia. His sisters Karen Dernbach and her family and Nancy Herdic survive as well as numerous aunts and cousins.  Clarke is also survived by his wife's family, which includes his mother in law, Beverly Zehner, sister in law, Linda Priest and her husband David, brother in law, Steve McFetridge and his wife Theresa, brother in law Tim McFetridge and his wife Kristee, and a brother in law Scott McFetridge and his wife Colleen Kinney as well as several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be Saturday, May 8th at 2:00 p.m. at the EMS Building on Route 11 in Champlain. Donations to the Hospice of the North Country would be appreciated. 

Arrangements are in the care of the Ross Funeral Home, 2586 US-11 Mooers.  

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