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Suncoast Pasco News

Former Commissioner Hap Clark, Dead at 85

SUNCOAST NEWS, 2005

Former Pasco County Commissioner David “Hap” Clark Jr., who died Sunday of Parkinson’s disease. Clark is a former Pasco County educator and restaurateur.

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By Cheryl  Bentley | The Suncoast News

Published: December 28, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. -
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The scion of one the Pasco County's oldest families died at his home Sunday from Parkinson's disease.

David "Hap" Clark Jr. , 85, was part of Pasco County's rich history and leaves a record of service to the county.

He served on the Pasco County Commission for eight years, stepping down in 2000 to mount an unsuccessful campaign for Pasco tax collector.

Clark tried a political comeback, losing a bid to return to the County Commission in 2002 and running unsuccessfully for the New Port Richey City Council, in 2005.

After earning a master's degree in education at the University of Florida, Clark served as principal of Hudson Elementary School and later as football coach at Pasco High School.

For many years Clark operated Clark's Landing, a down-home seafood restaurant on the Port Richey waterfront.

Clark was the son of David Hope Clark Sr. and Susan M. Page.

Clark Sr. came to Port Richey in 1872 and made his living as cattleman, builder and citrus grower, according to Frances Mallett, a Port Richey historian and Clark relative.

Page was a member of Port Richey's first elected city council.

Clark grew up with his brothers, Page Clark, James W. Clark and Henry F. Clark, in a home on the Pithlachascotee River that is still occupied by family members.

In addition to his brothers, Clark is survived by his wife, Susan Clark.

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