BAYONNE — Edward F. Clark, Jr., the first to serve as Hudson County executive when the county executive form of government came into existence in 1978, has passed away at the age of 85.
He served until his retirement in 1988. Clark was involved in various elected postions in Hudson County government since the 1960s serving as a freeholder and freeholder director prior to serving as the first county executive. Prior to that he was involved in a private trucking business. Clark’s father, Edward F. Clark Sr., served as mayor of Bayonne prior to mayors Fitzpatrick and Collins.
“The passing of Edward F. Clark, Jr. is to be considered an end of an era in the history of Hudson County,” said Robert Knapp. “I had the honor of serving Ed Clark since the late 1960s both in an administrative and political capacity and remained his friend. Ed was an icon in government he left the county in a much better condition than when he started in the 1960’s. His memory will live on and on”.
Levis Funeral Residence in Bayonne will be in charge of the arrangements.