Allen H. Clark

Allen H. Clark passed suddenly on August 3, 2025.

Al was born November 2, 1940 in Philadelphia Pa. He did not graduate from Mastbaum High School. In 10th grade, He was asked to leave after he put the principal’s desk and chair in the elevator and sent it down to the first floor. Al was a high school legend known for sliding down the railing at Mastbaum and knocking over the guidance counselor at the bottom. He was a certified genius, completely bored with school, and was repeatedly told that he would never amount to anything. He was a mathematical genius and could do any equation, including percentages in his head. Al went on to operate his own industrial supply company called Ace Maintenance Supply in New Britain Pennsylvania. Known for his knowledge, honesty, and integrity, he was a very successful and well respected businessman. He was an expert on fasteners, hydraulic fittings, and all industrial supply equipment. Al self taught himself in the world of stocks and investments and has left his daughter with a legacy that he was so proud of. Al enjoyed Long Beach Island NJ and spent many vacations there fishing and flying kites with his daughter, Andrea.

Al was a founding member of the Philadelphia Modifiers Car Club originating in Philadelphia. He spent many hours with his friends building rat rods. Al actually designed what is known now as the Hurst dual gate shifter. Unfortunately, he never patented it, and the design was basically stolen by a person that they didn’t want in the club. Al was an accomplished mechanic and built several street rods with his daughter. His only fault was not explaining to his daughter what happens when you don’t clock a Magneto correctly. As soon as his daughter could see over a fender, Al taught her how to build engines, install transmissions, and nitrous systems. His daughter had to pass Al’s driving test before she could get her license, and she had to know how to change a tire and her own oil.

Al was known for his sense of humor and his disdain for stupid people and bad drivers. He will be known for a sign posted in his passenger side window that read, “Hey stupid, hang up your phone and drive!” Al and his daughter Andrea spent a lot of time at Raceway Park in Englishtown NJ, Atco, Maple Grove Raceway, Grandview, Pocono Raceway, Dover, and Flemington Motor Speedway. He used to race his 1951 Ford named Pandemonium II on Roosevelt Boulevard and is still wanted by the police in Philadelphia. It was a sleeper of a car with V6 emblems on it , but it had a huge V8 Oldsmobile engine.

He was known to be one of the fastest cars around. His mother, Lottie, refused to drive with him and never drove on her own.

Besides his daughter, the love of his life was a horse named Goldie that he used to take care of in his early preteen years. She was part of the Fairmount Park Authority back then. Not an emotional man, he would sob when explaining how Goldie got hit by a car and he held her as she passed. We hope he finds Goldie again. Allen was known to be able to bond with any animal, even animals that didn’t like humans. He would tell everyone he was a wolf in a previous life.

His voice mail message will live on… “You have reached 215-348-xxxx and this is Al Clark, chief in charge of everything. If you leave your name, number, and a message, I can call you back. If you don’t, I can’t. Thank you and goodbye!” He was the best dad and best friend ever to his daughter Andrea.

Allen is survived by his only child, Andrea Lyn Clark-Wells, favorite son in law, John R. Wells, Sr, a sister Eleanore Catarious, nephew Michael L. Arms (Loni) and a step-sister, Lynn Abronski Caimaichelo (Jules).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Allen’s name to Howling Woods Wolf Sanctuary, 1371 W. Veterans Highway, Jackson Township, NJ 08527.

A memorial service will be held by the family at a later date.