Phil Clarke's investment banking career spanned more than 50 years and began in 1972 when he joined the original Chicago Corporation, a firm founded by his father in 1965, where he worked for more than 20 years overseeing both merger and acquisitions and equity capital markets transactions. He subsequently worked for ABN-AMRO, Heller Financial, GE Capital, and Focus Investment Banking. In 2010, he co-founded the current incarnation of The Chicago Corporation.

While Phil was a lifelong resident of the Chicago area, he continued a family tradition by attending and graduating from Asheville School located in North Carolina. He then returned to Chicago, obtaining both his undergraduate degree and MBA from the University of Chicago, as well as his CPA from the University of Illinois. He was an avid fly-fisherman, an accomplished golfer and a long-suffering Chicago sports fan. He was also a devoted philanthropist, donating time and resources to many causes. He was particularly passionate about Asheville School, where he served 18 years on the board and held many roles, including Chairman.

A celebration of Phil's life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Philip R. Clarke Scholarship Fund at Asheville School would help further the educational needs of deserving students. Donations may be made via check, mailed to the Philanthropy Office at 360 Asheville School Road, Asheville NC 28806, or online using this link: https://www.givecampus.com/hhvyxq (please indicate his name in the "In Honor/Memory of" section).