Robert "Big Ace" Clark was immersed in music from a young age, with a rich musical heritage shaping his journey. His parents, both singers, and grandparents, all musicians, laid the foundation for his future in music. His maternal grandfather, Pete Romano, led the renowned Pete Romano Orchestra, while his paternal grandfather, Rockland John Clark, was a local guitar legend. Inspired by his legacy, Big Ace began playing guitar at 12 and never looked back. He has since performed with various bands across the country, including Scam, The Killbillys, Loot and Booty, and Just Us. In 2007, while residing in Ellicott City, Md., he joined The Bangladesh Project as lead guitarist, a role that has brought him the greatest challenge and reward in his career. By 2020, he returned to the Cape Henlopen region. In 2025, Robert played lead and rhythm guitar with Bait Shop and The Delmers, up to his moment of transition, Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

A true modern-day shaman, Big Ace was a gentle giant. Team captain and middle linebacker of the legendary 1979 team, which, to this day, holds the only football state title in the Cape Henlopen School District's history. Robert also competed and earned All-State in wrestling. He was one of a dozen Library Club members, an enduringly avid reader of books. And he joined the Jazz Club. Robert had an interest in chemistry and a pursuit of expression with abstract oil painting.

A man, a king in his own right, one of the few who master the dance we call life. Being around him was regal. Being around him, you could feel the protection that stretched through physically in the environment and mentally through the love that shone through his face and his character. He was a shining beacon of light that those of us in darkness and in dire times were able to see and able to find. Robert gave direction to our lives, purpose, and a sense of truly and deeply belonging in the world.

Big Ace mastered life through perseverance and soul. A strong soul to keep going through the pain, through the struggle, through the hell. He was able to continue being happy through and through, no matter how hard or how much pain he was in. With all that, he forged a beautiful family that carries the incredible and deep lessons, outlook, and way of life. The gift of life that he was able to decipher, which he so desperately wanted to spread to the world and share with his alienated first son. A true pioneer in outlook. And of course, a rock ’n’ roller for life. The best guitar player, not just in skill but in philosophy.

To lose Big Ace is to lose hope itself. It is up to us who knew him to carry on his lessons, persona, and everything that he built and stood for.

For his honor and his essence, forever and ever, may he be free and watch over us in spirit.