Brian T. Clarke Jr., 26, a resident of Hanover Township, entered into eternal life, surrounded by those he loved the most, on Friday, January 15, 2016, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York, following a valiant, hard fought battle with cancer.

Born on October 14, 1989, in Wilkes-Barre, Brian was the son of the late Brian T. Clarke Sr., and Andrea Pyskoty.

Brian was a graduate of Hanover Area High School, Class of 2008. He was an outstanding offensive lineman for the Hanover Area Hawkeyes Football Team. His accolades include 1st Team All-State, 3-time Wyoming Valley Conference 1st Team selection, Times Leader All-Star Team, Citizens Voice All-Star Team, and the 2006 2nd Team All-State. Brian also holds all Hanover Area lifting records with a bench press of 445 lbs. his senior year, and a squat of 575 lbs. Additionally, he was a State qualifier for shot-put his senior year.

Following high school, Brian went on to attend Bloomsburg University, where in 2013 he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in History. During his years in college, he was an offensive lineman for the Bloomsburg Huskies Football Team. His accolades there include the Associated Press Little All-America First Team, D2 Football.com All-America, the Gene Upshaw Award National Finalist in 2012 and 2013(Top Division II lineman – 3^rd place 2013), Daktronics First Team All-America, Daktronics Super Region One First Team, the Don Hansen Football Gazette First Team All-America, the Don Hansen Football Gazette Super Region One First Team, Beyond Sports Network First Team All-America, and PSAC East First Team for 3 years in a row. Following his senior season, he received an invitation to play in the NFL PA Collegiate Bowl in Los Angeles.

In 2014, Brian ‘s lifelong dream of being a Dallas Cowboy came true when he was the first pick free agent for the Dallas Cowboys. This dream was cut incredibly short when it was discovered during training camp that he had an aggressive form of cancer.

Brian was a member of Saint Andre Bessette Roman Catholic Parish, North Wilkes-Barre.

Brian loved to share his skills and techniques with high school athletes by volunteering his time at the McBryan-Evans Offensive Line Clinic at Bloomsburg University.

Some of Brian’s enjoyments were fast cars, golfing, hanging out with his many friends, weight lifting, fishing, concerts, going to Atlantic City and Ocean City Maryland, riding his motorcycle, an being the king connoisseur of pizza and wings.

In addition to his father, Brian Sr., Brian was also preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, John Edward “Buddy” Clarke; his maternal grandfather, Andrew Pyskoty; and his uncle, Paul Hilenski.

Brian is survived by his loving and supportive family: his aunt, Karen Clarke Hilenski, with whom he resided; his cousins, Samantha and Karen Hilenski, at home; his dear mentors and father-like figures, John Centak and Brian McBryan.

Also surviving are his paternal grandmother, Ann Marie Mattiolli Clarke; his maternal grandmother, Rita Zaremba Pyskoty; his sister, Tricia Clarke; his niece and goddaughter; his nephew; his step-mother, Patricia Ann Clarke; and his many aunts, uncles, cousins, fellow teammates and friends.

One of Brian’s last requests is to thank his aunt, Karen, for the loving sacrifices she made to help him through his fight. He also wanted to thank the doctors and nurses of both Johns Hopkins Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for their efforts in giving him more time in his earthly life.

Relatives and Friends are invited to attend Brian’s viewing which will take place on Thursday, January 21, 2016, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, at Saint Andre Bessette Parish, 672 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre. There will be an additional viewing on Friday, January 22, 2016, from 9:45 to 10:45 AM in the church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 22, 2016, at 11:00 AM in Saint Andre Bessette Parish, 672 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, with Monsignor John J. Sempa, family friend, officiating.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Hanover Township.

For additional information or to send Brian’s family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home web-site www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.

Funeral Arrangements for the family of Brian Clarke have been entrusted to the care of the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort.

The family is kindly asking that flowers be omitted. They would be most honored if you would consider making a contribution to help defray the costs associated of Brian’s final expenses. You can make your donation payable to Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, Pennsylvania 18704. Any additional funds will be contributed to the Brian T. Clarke # 77 Memorial Scholarship at Bloomsburg University.