David Owen Clark

WILBRAHAM- David O. Clark, 79, passed away February 25, 2021 at Vero at Hampden, in Hampden, MA.  David was born on May 20, 1941 in San Diego, California, the son of Samuel Clark who died when David was 4 and Bernice (Lewis) Clark. Dave joined the Arizona National Guard in 1963 where he was recruited to become a pilot. He trained at Webb AF Base in Texas and Perrin AFB earning his wings in 1967. Dave graduated from Santa Ana College, CA. and the University of Arizona, receiving his BS Degree in Pharmacy in 1970. During this time, he married Sandra Banas and they relocated to Springfield in 1971 where he took over managing the family business, Banas Package Store.  He continued serving in the Mass. Air National Guard for 27 more years, retiring as a Colonel in 1998. As a reservist, he flew the A-10, F-100, F-102 and trained in the F-16.  In 1989, David joined TWA as a commercial pilot for 10 years, flying the 727. David was a Renaissance man enjoying and mastering various interests including the piano, sketching, construction, computers, restoring classic cars, slot machines and competing in triathlons, hockey, skiing, and scuba diving. Dave loved a challenge and helping anyone with a project, a truly generous and talented man. He also enjoyed summer vacations at Cape Cod and Plum Island with friends and family. He leaves his sister, Mary Kathryn Carter of San Diego, CA;  his longtime partner, Linda Hill of Wilbraham; and her son Corey Hill of Boston; her brother, Stephen Merrill and partner, Elizabeth Duquette of Hampden, Ma.; his former wife, Sandra (Banas) Clark of Wilbraham; two nephews, John S. Banas III of Scottsdale, AZ;  Andrew Banas of Michigan; brother- in- law, Dr. John S. Banas Jr. of Poland and Monaco; his Air National Guard “call sign” friends, (David was known as “Liquor”) , Al Reid “Viper”; Gary Hagar “Maddog”;  Dave Marshall “Pigdog” ; employees of Banas Package Store;  fellow Air National Guardsmen; and best friends, Brice Westphall of San Diego, CA; Michael and Erin Gallerani of Wilbraham, MA and Bob and Sally Crawford of Tucson, AZ. His mother and step-father pre-deceased him. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 11:00AM until 12:30PM  on Tuesday March 9, 2021 in the Forastiere Smith Family Funeral Home, 220 North Main St., East Longmeadow. A sharing of memories will follow from 12:30PM until 1:00PM when a funeral home service will take place. Burial with military honors to follow in Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of David’s favorite organizations, the Salvation Army, 285 Liberty St., Springfield, MA 01104 or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O.Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. Please visit https://www.forastierefuneralhome.com to express a personal memory or condolence to the family.