Eugenie Clark
Dr. Eugenie Clark, 92, of Sarasota, died Feb. 25. She was known the “Shark Lady” and she founded the world-class Mote Marine Laboratory, which is now on City Island in Sarasota.
Dr. Clark blazed trails for women in science, inspired generations of people — from ocean experts to school children; swam with sharks to learn about them and founding the 60-year-old laboratory.
Dr. Clark died of lung cancer at her home in Sarasota. She had taken her last ocean dive in 2014 in the Gulf of Aqaba and her latest research was in review for publication when she died.
“There was absolutely no one like Genie Clark,” said Dr. Michael P. Crosby, president and CEO of Mote. “Her fascination with fishes and dedication to research changed marine science forever. Her life story set an example for women in science and countless others who are striving to make a positive impact. Her graciousness and warmth opened hearts and made ocean knowledge more accessible to many. And, above all, her leadership and legacy sparked a tradition of world-class marine research and education that will continue for generations. Her passion for science and her freedom to pursue that science at Mote continue to inspire us all.”
An ichthyologist, Dr. Clark was a world authority on fishes, particularly sharks and tropical sand fishes. She conducted 71 submersible dives as deep as 12,000 feet and led more than 200 field research expeditions to the Red Sea, Caribbean, Mexico, Japan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Thailand, Indonesia and Borneo to study sand fishes, whale sharks, deep sea sharks and spotted oceanic triggerfish.
She wrote three popular books and more than 175 articles, including research publications in leading peer-reviewed journals such as Science and a dozen popular stories in National Geographic magazine.
In 1955, Dr. Clark and her assistant started the one-room Cape Haze Marine Laboratory in Placida, with philanthropic support and hearty encouragement from the Vanderbilt family. The lab thrived in partnership with its community and became Mote Marine Laboratory in 1967 to honor major benefactor William R. Mote. Today the lab is based on City Island in Sarasota, and it hosts 24 diverse marine research and conservation programs, education programs for all ages and a major public Aquarium.
The lab consists of six campuses in Florida and more than 200 staff, including scientists who have worked in oceans surrounding all seven continents.
Dr. Clark joined the zoology faculty at the University of Maryland in 1968 and she officially retired in 1992. She returned to Mote in 2000 as senior scientist and director emerita and later became a trustee. She continued to build upon and champion the groundbreaking research that she started 60 years ago.
“Genie was an amazing woman — her initiative, intelligence and enthusiasm have always been the heart of Mote,” said Dr. Kumar Mahadevan, the longest serving president in Mote’s history.
Memorial donations may be made to the Dr. Eugenie Clark Memorial Research Endowment Fund at www.mote.org/geniememorialfund.
Dr. Clark is survived by children Hera, Aya, Tak and Niki Konstantinou.
Dr. Eugenie “Shark Lady” Clark founded Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota. Islander Photos: Mote Marine Laboratory
M. Pat (McFarland) Guertin
M. Pat McFarland Guertin, 90, of Bradenton Beach and Galion, Ohio, died Jan. 31. She was born Feb. 11, 1924, in Lima, Ohio, to the late Clarence and Gladies McClane Harley.
On Oct. 3, 1946, she married Mac McFarland and they enjoyed 55 years together. Together they raised their family, shared the joys and challenges of married life, and enjoyed an active social life with a circle of wonderful friends.
She was a 1942 graduate of Crestline High School and went to the Mansfield General School of Nursing. She also attended Ashland University and Ohio State University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She was a nurse and for many years was a nursing supervisor at Galion Community Hospital. After her retirement, she worked at Flower Cart flower shop and volunteered at the Galion Hospital.
She and her husband vacationed in Bradenton Beach, spending winters there for more than 30 years.
In her later years, in Florida, she met and wed Eugene Guertin, who died in April 2012.
She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Galion, Galion Women of the Moose and was active with the Galion BPO Elks Galion Lodge #1191, Emblem Club.
She enjoyed playing cards, especially poker, socializing with friends and golf.
A memorial Mass will be held March 7 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Galion. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, HomeCare Matters and Hospice or the United Cerebral Palsy in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be made online at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
She is survived by daughters Ann and husband Mike Burke of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and Jean and husband Mike Bodkins of Galion; four grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; sister Norene Carr of Mansfield, Ohio; brothers Thomas Harley of Crestline and Donald and wife Pat Harley of Crestline; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins.
John R. Jenkins
John R. Jenkins, 80, of Holmes Beach, died Feb. 22.
A private memorial service was held.
Survivors include wife Madeleine, daughter Monica Copeland, son Neil, daughter Sylvia and three grandchildren.
Dorothy Perricone
Dorothy Perricone, 83, of Anna Maria, died Feb. 23.
She graduated from Florida State University, where she began her career in education. She worked for the Hillsborough County school district for 35 years as a teacher, principal and director of student services.
She was married 48 years to Joe Perricone.
She enjoyed vacationing at the beach and also at her cabin in the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina.
A memorial service was held Feb. 2 at Brown’s Funeral Home in Bradenton. Memorial donations may be made to Manatee County Humane Society, DAV and Paralyzed Vets.
She is survived by children Allen Leigh, Michele Romeo and Renee; grandchildren Doug Leigh, Joe Leigh, Brent Romeo, Eric Romeo, Scott Romeo; and nine great-grandchildren.