Clark Palen, of Honeoye Falls, passed away unexpectedly on November 5 due to injuries in an auto accident. Clark was only 17 years old and just 4 days shy of his 18th birthday. Our family is devastated by the loss of our beloved "Clarkie".

A senior at Aquinas Institute, Clark was a loving, funny and curious kid who lit up every room he entered. He consistently won over teachers with his crooked smile and sly sense of humor. Many local residents will know Clark from his years at Dunkin Donuts where he was the kid rarely in proper uniform using a silly voice to take your drive-through order. Clark Palen was a kind and special soul; we know him to be a gift and are blessed to have called him son, brother and friend.

Clark lived life to the fullest and found many passions throughout his short time with us. One of those passions was ice hockey which he discovered at the age of 3, In the words of his coach, "Clark the Shark was exceptional, speedy and tormenting" which pretty well sums up our happy boy.

Our Clark loved cats (especially Gretzky). Our Clark loved cars (especially Audis). Our Clark loved skiing (especially Flagstaff with his buddy, Owen). He loved the gym and couldn't keep his tie straight and demanded you respect his bedtime.

Tragically, Clark leaves behind his big brother, Rowan, whom he loved dearly and with whom he made big plans for the future and Burmese Tiger Traps in the past. He also leaves behind his "Best Girl", Mara, and so very many friends because our Clark liked everyone…and if you were ever lucky enough to have met our Clark, he would have liked you too.

Clark is survived by his loving parents, Jackie and Cole Palen, his brother, Rowan Palen, grandparents Valerie Fitzhugh, Irene Palen, Paul Palen, Peter McDonagh, Dee McDonagh, Uncles Steve McDonagh, Dan Smith, Chris Palen, Sean Palen, Michael McDonagh, Aunts Kerri Palen, Katie Anne Glaser and cousins Nate McDonagh, Zacharia Palen, Nicholas Palen, Madison McDonagh and Michael McDonagh. We all love you, Buddy. So much.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 11 am at St. Catherine of Siena, 26 Mendon Ionia Road, Mendon, NY.

In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe has been set up to create a memorial scholarship to be made to the Aquinas Institute hockey program. https://gofund.me/d0c701ed