Obituary of Richard Dennis Clarcq

Cohocton – Richard “Dennis” Clarcq, 79 years of age, passed away early Friday morning, November 19, 2021 at St. John’s Home in Rochester. Richard was born February 7, 1942 in Rochester the son of Richard and Margaret (Young) Clarcq. He grew up Rochester and moved to Cohocton in 1970. Richard also resided in Nigeria for a time when he worked for UNICEF. He served his country in the United States Army from 1962 until his honorable discharge in 1965. During his tenure in the Army he was a helicopter mechanic. For the rest of his life he was self-employed, owning and operating DC Helicopters. Richard and Frances Flynn were married February 28, 1970 at St. Mary’s Church in Rochester and celebrated over 44 years of marriage prior to Frances passing away on December 25, 2014. They resided in Cohocton and raised their family of five, Veronica, Matthew, Lynne, Daniel and Marie. His hobbies were many. He loved building and flying helicopters and built one completely out of parts. During the annual fall foliage festival in Cohocton, he flew his helicopter to drop candy for the children. Richard loved anything to do with mechanics. He was always creating, fixing and building things; including windmills. Travelling throughout the world with his family was a great pleasure of his as well. He provided his family with many wonderful opportunities. Richard also provided employment and mentorship for many young people within the local community. As one of his friends recently wrote, Richard was “a friend, mentor, teacher, parent – a father. The world is a smaller place today.” Richard was pre-deceased by his parents; his wife, Frances; and a sister, Margaret “Peggy” Cekuta. He is survived by his children, Veronica (James) Covert of FL, Matthew Clarcq (Erika Unger) of Macedon, Lynne (Donald III) Russell of SC, Daniel Clarcq of Pittsford and Marie (Michael) Tarantino of Rochester; his grandchildren, Ben, Ethan and Gavin Covert, Vanessa, Christian, Nathan, Evan and Vivian Clarcq, Paige Swanson, Ella Russell, Alex Gurney, Lola and Lea Clarcq; his great-granddaughter, Vera Schenk; his brother, James (Nancy) Clarcq of Phelps; his sister, Debbie (Kevin) Cole of Rochester; along with several nieces and nephews. Richard’s family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday November 23rd, at 10am at St. Mary’s Church in Dansville. Committal prayers and interment will take place privately at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Wayland.