Clarence Illario Jr.

Clarence Illario, Jr., passed away on November 18, 2025, at his home in Sandy, UT. He was born on February 1, 1938 in Somerville, NJ to Clarence and Helen Illario.

Clarence married Kathryn Teehan (deceased) on September 9, 1961, and they had three children, Brian Illario, Debbie Illario, and Crissy Murphy (Ike). They later divorced.

Clarence married Cheryl Arbanas on May 26, 1988, and they had two children, Jackie Illario and Matthew Illario.

Clarence earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Accounting from Rider University in New Jersey, attended the Citadel in South Carolina, and was honorably discharged as a Corporal from the United States Marine Corps after serving in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Clarence began his law enforcement career as a detective with the Bridgewater Township Police in Bridgewater, NJ. From there he served many years as a Special Agent in the United States Secret Service. In this role he served in protection of the President of the United States, Vice President, their families, candidates, former presidents, and foreign dignitaries. We heard many stories including those with President Carter, Vice President Mondale, First Lady Barbara Bush, Pope John Paul II, and South Vietnam Vice President Nguyen Cao Ky. He also investigated threatening persons related to dignitary protection and the protection of the national convention events held by both parties. As part of the Treasury Department, in the Secret Service he was Involved in many high-profile counterfeiting cases, forgeries of Treasury checks, and embezzlement investigations. This career took him many places including Newark, NJ, Washington DC, and Syracuse, NY before he eventually settled in Salt Lake City, Utah.

He retired from the Secret Service to the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office where he served as a Corrections Officer and Bailiff. He assisted judges, maintained prisoner custody, and court order during court proceedings before retiring once again. Clarence spent his ‘final’ retirement as a Crime Prevention Specialist for the Draper City, UT Police Department where he spent his time interacting with the public, fingerprinting, taking calls, and reviewing fix-it-tickets issued by the city’s officers.

During the majority of his time in Utah, he taught Criminal Justice as an Adjunct Professor at the Salt Lake Community College to students as an elective course or as a prerequisite class for a degree in Criminal Justice. In addition, Clarence has held positions in various security and law enforcement roles including Illario & Associates as a self-employed Private Investigator, the Salt Lake County Constable’s Office as a Deputy Constable and most deliciously, security for Mrs. Field’s Cookies Corporate office in Park City, UT.

Clarence liked to keep busy by involving himself with many ministries at Blessed Sacrament Parish. He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council #6966 where he served as Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight, Trustee, and Council Director. He was an active part of the Parish Council, New Church Building Committee, Finance Committee, and Fall Festival, in addition to ushering at Mass. He also participated in the Blessed Sacrament School Board, Juan Diego Catholic High School Board and Facilities Committee, and also represented Juan Diego on the Draper City Emergency Response Committee.

Through his work at the community college, he grew fond of attending the Grand Theater’s theatrical performances held on the South Salt Lake Campus. He also enjoyed attending shows at the Hale Center Theater and held season tickets. Clarence was fond of the family dog, Caesar, who was with him for 17 and a half years. Through this love, he donated to the Utah Humane Society, the ASPCA, and other animal-focused, non-profit organizations. He was also a serial visitor to his favorite restaurants.

Clarence is survived by his wife, his brother Ronald Illario (Carol), his five children, five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Viewing will be on Friday, November 21, 2025 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 9757 S 1700 E, Sandy, Utah where a vigil will begin at 6:00 PM.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM, also at Blessed Sacrament, where friends and family are welcome to view an hour prior to the funeral. A celebration of life will follow. Clarence will be laid to rest at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Salt Lake City, UT.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Utah Humane Society.