John J. Clark | Drexel professor, 83

John J. Clark, 83, formerly of Brigantine, N.J., a retired professor of economics and dean at Drexel University, died of pneumonia Saturday at White Horse Village in Newtown Square.

A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Dr. Clark earned a bachelor's degree from St. John's University, a master's degree in economics from Baruch College of the City University of New York, and a doctorate in economics and finance from New York University. In 1950 he returned to St. John's as a professor of economics, and later was dean of the College of Business Administration. He met his future wife, Margaret Newton Clark, at St. John's.

They married in 1965.

In 1969, Dr. Clark joined the faculty at Drexel. He retired in 1990 as dean of the graduate school at Drexel's LeBow College of Business.

He authored or coauthored 14 books on business education and finance, published numerous articles, and was a former consultant to the Savings Bank Association of New York.

Dr. Clark was also an authority on military history and strategy. He authored 30 articles on the subject, his wife said, and lectured at the Army War College in Carlisle, Pa. He received commendations from the U.S. Naval Institute and the Military Review for his insightful essays, his wife said. He enjoyed model shipbuilding.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Patricia Ann Bowman.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 11 a.m. Thursday at Mary Magdalen Church, 2400 N. Providence Rd., Media. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple Township.

Memorial donations may be made to the U.S. Naval Institute, 291 Wood Rd., Annapolis, Md. 21402.