Clark D. Pattullo

Clark Douglas Pattullo was born August 15, 2007. He led a short but full life. In early childhood he was diagnosed with non-verbal autism and intellectual disability. Later, he developed seizure disorder, which ultimately took his life. On Friday, September 12, 2025, in the early morning hours, Clark suffered a massive seizure that stopped his heart. Paramedics worked for nearly an hour trying to revive him, but to no avail. He was eighteen years old.

Clark touched many lives: he was a student at Elizabeth Lee Black School at the Barber National Institute for the past three years; prior to this he was a student at General McLane High School.

He is best remembered for his warm, easygoing personality and easy smile. He went through difficult periods marked by SIBs (self-injurious behavior) and occasional outbursts, but as he transitioned into young adulthood, he settled into a happier, more upbeat disposition. Although Clark was non-verbal, he became very adept at communicating his wants and needs with his body, his eyes, and his iPad – he would pull up relevant video clips from YouTube to express himself.

Clark was a sensory seeker who enjoyed exploring textures, tastes, smells, and sounds. He would often replay audio clips on his iPad while stimming with his hands or his entire body; he whistled and danced when he was happy. He enjoyed camping, cooking, and most of all, swimming. Being immersed in water fulfilled his sensory needs and brought him a sense of profound peace and joy. During most summers, he would swim in the American Legion pool in Edinboro almost every day. On two occasions, he had a seizure in the water, resulting in near drowning events that landed him in the hospital.

Clark is survived by his parents, Brad and Jamie Pattullo, his two brothers Bernie and Grant; his grandparents, Doug and Leslie Pattullo of Port Charlotte, Florida; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins, including the Ward family: Jamie, James, Davis, and Reese of Rockford, Michigan, and the Quates family: Julie, Dan, River, Willow, Bear, Canyon, and Archer of Hempstead, Texas. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Kathy Clark of West Branch, Michigan.

Clark was full of love and life and brought joy to the countless lives he touched. He was a sweet and gentle soul who will forever be missed and cherished by his family, friends, and teachers.

Family and friends may call at Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 210 Erie St., Edinboro, PA on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 4 to 6 p.m. A funeral service will follow there at 6 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Barber National Institute at barberinstitute.org, or to the Autism Society of NWPA at autismnwpa.org. To send condolences please visit www.gluntfuneralhome.com.