John H. Clark *55

John died April 16, 2021, in Washington, D.C.

John was born May 6, 1927, in Cleveland, Ohio. While in high school, John enlisted in the Navy to serve in World War II. He graduated from Oberlin College and earned a master’s degree from Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School in 1955.

John began his public service career at the Pentagon, involving public information as well as liaison with Congress. Next he worked at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). After OMB, John moved to the Office of Economic Opportunity, where his central focus was working with community leaders nationwide to design and implement cooperative-support efforts.

Attracted by the mission of the National Endowment for the Arts, John joined that fledgling agency as special assistant to chairperson Nancy Hanks. He was a lover of the arts in all their forms, and his service at the NEA was extraordinarily satisfying for him. 

His great humor shielded his ability to tweak the mighty and became a trademark talent and lifelong enjoyment.

John was predeceased by his daughter, Anne Elizabeth. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Ana; 13 nieces and nephews; and 33 great-nieces and great-nephews. 

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.