Clarke B. Dowling ’48

Clarke died Feb. 13, 2026, at age 99 in Crawford, Ga.  

He was born in Cambridge, Mass., and grew up in Corning, N.Y. Clarke served in the Navy from 1944 to 1946 and began his studies two years after he was admitted, ultimately graduating in June 1950. At Princeton, he was active with WPRU and earned a degree in psychology, focusing on the statistical analysis of standardized testing. He was advised by John Tukey, a renowned mathematician.  

Clarke married Frances Rowe in 1954 and they had two children, William ’78 and Elizabeth ’80. His brother, Alexander ’51, and his grandfather, Benedict Williams 1890, were also alums.  

In his professional career, inspired by his college and Navy radio work and by his undergraduate grounding in math and statistics, Clarke worked for IBM, first in Endicott, N.Y., and then in Poughkeepsie, for 40 years. Working with the technical staff, he contributed to early operating systems including System/360 and compilers such as Fortran.  

Known as an avid sailor, Clarke was often on Keuka Lake, the Great Sacandaga Lake, and the Hudson River. He remained active into his 90s and was often seen riding his bike.  

Clarke was predeceased by Frances and by a sister, Mary. He is survived by his two children, five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and his brother, Scott. The Class of 1948 sends its condolences in memory of our accomplished classmate.