Funeral set for ex-teacher, lifeguard who died at Lake Hopatcong

Arthur Clarke is being remembered as an "advocate for lifesaving."

HOPATCONG -- A funeral will be held Wednesday for Dr. Arthur F. Clarke, III, the former Hopatcong school teacher, optometrist, local business owner and expert lifeguard who died while swimming at Lake Hopatcong.

Arthur Clarke

Clarke, 64, was a lifeguard for nearly 50 years, according to his obituary, and was a seasonal water safety supervisor for the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Clarke left his house for a swim at about 8:30 p.m. Friday. His mother reported him missing the following day after waking up and discovering he had not returned.

His body was found on Tuesday morning. A cause of death has not been announced.

Lake Hopatcong was among several locations where Clarke worked as a lifeguard, including Seaside Heights and San Diego, according to his obituary.

Clarke was involved with the New Jersey State Park Service's lifeguarding program for more than 40 years.

In his part-time role, Clarke oversaw the lifeguard program at state parks in Hopatcong, Swartswood, Stokes, High Point, Wawayanda and Ringwood.

The park service said in a statement that Clarke created a lifeguard manual and program that remains in use, and made presentations at international lifeguarding conferences.

"The statewide NJSPS lifeguard program would not be as strong and respected as it is today without Art's influence," the park service said.

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"He continually made improvements to our equipment and beaches so the lifeguards could provide the highest level of service for those who use our swim areas," the park service said, adding, "Art was more than just an employee of the State Park Service, he was an advocate for lifesaving."

A funeral Mass for held will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Jefferson.

Lifeguarding was only one of Clarke's public roles.

From 1977 to 1993, Clarke was a math and science teacher in the Hopatcong school district, starting at the Durban Avenue School and concluding at the Hopatcong Middle School.

He obtained at doctorate in optometry and opened Hopatcong Eye Care.

Clarke was also an alternate commissioner for the Lake Hopatcong Commission.

Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RobJenningsNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook