Edward N. Clarke ’46, ’51 PhD

Edward N. Clarke ’46, ’51 PhD, of Worcester, Mass.; Jan. 16. He matriculated at Brown through the Navy ROTC program, served in World War II, and was honorably discharged with the rank of lieutenant. He remained in the Naval Reserves until 1957. He earned a graduate degree at Harvard and then returned to Brown to earn his PhD. He was among the earliest engineers and scientists helping create the semiconductor industry while working at Sylvania and Sperry Semiconductor, and he was one of the founders of National Semiconductor Corp. In 1965, he joined Worcester Polytechnic Institute as the associate dean of faculty, director of research, and professor of engineering and science. During his 30-year career at WPI he created the Solar Energy Center. He retired in 1995 but remained active in academics, continuing engagements with WPI, Brown, Nichols College, and the U.S. Naval War College Foundation in Newport, R.I., until age of 95. He was drawn to nature for relaxation, was an avid swimmer and downhill skier, and he also enjoyed hiking in the hills and mountains of the Northeast. He is survived by a daughter, three sons, three daughters-in-law, 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, a sister and brother-in-law, a sister-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.