Joe Clark, owner of popular Allentown nightclub and numerous properties and businesses in the Lehigh Valley dies at age 75
- Lori Lee WGOLV
- May 9
- 3 min read
Updated: May 14
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Joe Clark, the owner of a popular nightclub in Allentown and multiple properties and businesses in the city, has passed away at the age of 75.
According to Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio, Clark passed away on Wednesday.
Clark's son, Joe Clark, Jr. told 69 News that his death is a tremendous loss, not only for their family, but for all who knew him.
He also told 69 News that a Celebration of Life for Clark will be held at the Americus Hotel at a future date.
Joe Clark
Clark was born in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, and was the son of the late Joseph P. and Jennie (Potis) Clark. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
Clark was also an avid table tennis player and a proud member of the National Table Tennis Association, holding a National player rating.
According to his obituary, he was a visionary entrepreneur and opened and operated numerous bars and restaurants, including Joe's Cheesesteaks, The Dog House, The Windsor House, DJ Bananas, The Broccoli Garden, The Celery Garden, Café Le Rock, and Crocodile Rock Café.
He was also a significant force in Allentown real estate and invested in and revitalized many properties.
Clark was, above all else, a family man, according to his obituary, and loved his wife, children, and grandchildren with all his heart, and his greatest joy came from time spent with them, according to his obituary.
Media Five Entertainment posted the following on social media:
A most unique, self-made rock n' roll entrepreneur, Joe Clark's Crocodile Rock Cafe in Allentown was a destination concert venue in Pennsylvania for internationally recognized recording artists for almost 20 years. A top 100 "Busiest Concert Venues" for many years, Clark's Crocodile Rock was Pennsylvania's answer to the fabled Fillmore music venue in San Francisco hosting a wide range of performers and acts. From Croc Rock's first show with Julian Lennon in July 1999 to household names such as Blues Travelers, Cheap Trick, George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic, Snoop Dogg, Third Eye Blind, Three Doors Down, Thin Lizzy, and Ziggy Marley to name a few, Clark was the Lehigh Valley's own Bill Graham.
In addition, thousands of local and regional bands performed at Clark's venues, including memorable shows by Media Five Entertainment's Fuel in 2000 and, from Berks County, a rising country music star named Taylor Swift in 2007.
The Armadillos posted the following on social media:
A Lehigh Valley legend has left us.
R.I.P. Joe Clark.
Without him, there would be no Armadillos. He took us under his wing and was the force that got us going. He will always have a special place in our hearts.
According to Clark's obituary, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
Services:
Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, 17th & Hamilton Streets in Allentown.
A viewing will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday in the funeral home.
He is survived by his wife, Susan (Nieuwkerk), of 39 years, and five children.
We extend our thoughts and prayers to his family, loved ones, everyone who knew him, and the entire music community.
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