John Wlater Clark, 58, was diagnosed with bladder cancer in September of 2010, and gave a valiant fight until Friday, Feb. 10, 2012, where he passed away at his home surrounded by family and friends.

He was born June 24, 1953, in Philadelphia, Pa., to Frank and Hilda Clark.

John attended Northeast High School and graduated in 1971. He joined the U.S. Navy right after high school and served two years on the U.S.S. Hull as a gun technician. John met his wife, Cindy, in 1977, and they married at the Ivyland Presbyterian Church in Ivyland, Pa., June 9, 1979, and moved to Glenside, Pa., where they enjoyed being foster parents to 51 children from 1982 through 1992, along with having three children, Lisa Marie who passed away in 1984, Jaime Lyn and John Kyle. He found his calling when he became a volunteer firefighter with Edgehill Fire Company in North Hills, Pa.

John served as an Assistant Engineer for many years until moving to Port Charlotte, Fla., in 2002. He received a commendation from Abington Township for his help in saving a man from his burning home in 1999, and another in 2001, for his help in rescuing three occupants from a motor vehicle during the 100-year flood of 2001. After moving to Florida, John acquired his professional driver’s license (CDL-A) and drove for Raymond Building Supplies before he joined Colonial Concrete, Ready Mix Division as a cement mixer driver, tractor trailer driver and assistant batch plant operator. His work ethic and energetic attitude made him a valued and respected employee to all who knew him.

John is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Cindy; mother, Hilda Clark of Port Charlotte; son, John “Kyle” of Rotonda, Fla.; daughter, Jaime Lyn Clark-Neville; grandchildren, Hunter Jackson and Samantha Marie Neville of Indianapolis, Ind.; and sister, Hilde Strong of Port Charlotte.

The Clark family invites all who knew John to join them at their home from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, to share memories in the celebration of John’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in memory of John Clark to TideWell Hospice, 12034 N. Access Rd., Port Charlotte, FL 33981. Please visit Englewood Community Funeral Home’s website to sign the guestbook and/or post photos at www.englewoodfh.com.

Arrangements are by Englewood Community Funeral Home.