| Date of Birth | January 2, 1932 |
| Passed Away | May 26, 2017 |
| Place of Residence | Hornell |
| Home State | N.Y. |
| Service Date | May 30, 2017 |
| Service Time | 2 p.m. |
| Service Location | St. Ann's Church, Hornell |
| Interment Location | St. Mary's Cemetery, Town of Fremont |
JOHN LEO CLANCY
HORNELL-John Leo Clancy, 85, who his parents, family and close friends knew him as Leo or John Leo, passed away Friday afternoon (May 26, 2017) at his home on Leach Avenue.
Born in Hornell on Jan. 2, 1932, he was the second of five children born to the late Edward and Florence (Feeney) Clancy. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his granddaughter, Lauren Clancy; his brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Barbara (Scott) Clancy; his sister-in-law, Mary Frances Clancy; his niece, Pamela Clancy, nephew, Donovan Clancy; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Margaret (Tucker) Haley; and his four brother-in-laws, Thomas, Robert, Lawrence and Joseph Haley.
Upon graduation from Hornell High School in 1950 John Leo entered the United States Air Force and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict from 1950 to his honorable discharge in 1953. After being discharge from military service he became employed as a Patrol Officer and eventually served as a Public Safety Commissioner for the City of Hornell.
On Oct. 6, 1956, he married “the girl next door,†the former Margaret “Peggy†Haley and began his career with the NYSDOT in Hornell and retired as a Senior Engineering Technician in the Soils Department in 1989.
John Leo lived each of his 31,190 days like it was his last; living fully, caring deeply, observing intently and making a difference to those around him, near and far. He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell and was an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman, who truly enjoyed the great outdoors. He was a life member, a longtime member of the Board of Directors and a Past Commander of the Arthur H. Cunningham American Legion Post No. 440 in Hornell and was in charge of the placement of flags and St. Ann’s and Rural Cemeteries each Memorial Day which gave him the opportunity to teach his children and grandchildren about giving to the community. A lifetime member of the Sportsman Club No 37 in Hornell, he was also involved with the Babe Ruth League, served as a Hunter Safety Inspector and was a big Civil War history buff.
His zest for life was acutely evident to all around him and his supportive attitude was both infectious and productive.
His loving family includes his wife of more than 60 years, Peg; his six children, John (Shelly) Clancy, Jr., Michael (Janice) Clancy, Theresa Scholes, Susan (David) Hendee, Mary Gallagher and Mitchell (Dora) Clancy; his 28 grandchildren, Meghan (Thomas) Franclemont, Ryan (Karianne) Clancy, Shawn (Kirsten) Clancy, Margaret, John, Helen and Eaommon Clancy, Alex and Scott Mills, Kirk (Lauren) Scholes, Kirsten (Travis) Lawrence, Mary Elizabeth and Abigail Hendee, Ann (Matt) Bush, Mary (Joseph) Stewart, Laurie (Brian) Stewart, John Gallagher, Gregory Clancy, Julia and Spencer Whitney; his 18 great-grandchildren; his two brothers, Edward Clancy and Richard “Dick†(Barbara) Clancy; his sister, Mary (James) O’Connor; his five sister-in-laws, Patricia (Rolland) Thompson, Eleachea Buono, Sandra, Sybil and Brenda Haley; his two brother-in-laws, Timothy (Sharon) Haley and Eugene “Spike†(Karen) Haley; also his numerous nieces, nephews, cousins as well as his best friend, David Wolfanger.
The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main S. in Hornell is honored to serve the family of John Leo Clancy.
There will be no calling hours. Relatives and friends are invited to meet his family at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Tuesday. Committal prayers and interment, with military honors, will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.
John Leo quietly supported countless causes and requested that in lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to St. Ann’s Academy, P.O. Box 446, Hornell, N.Y. 14843.
John Leo truly was a unique character. A great Guy ! I really liked working with him and knowing him ..
Losing a man that meant so much to me!! My Deepest Sympathy to Peg and family. I share in your sorrow, my friend and coworker for years John Leo. Happy days were working days. He made each day unique and interesting, never knew what it would bring. For me and countless of others, he was a silent giver. So many wonderful memories, I will always cherish them, most brought tears of laughter and other tears were from sad happenings. I feel I was part of a wonderful Leach Ave family. So much love and talking proud of each of you, his family. The grandchildren were the apple of his eyes. I remember countless times when John Leo had his own parade with flags waving in the air. What a beautiful sight with grandchildren leading and John Leo bring up the rear. One year I was introduced to a young boy, John Leo said, “Jim, I want you to meet my buddy….his name is Kirk” On this Memorial Day Weekend, I know the American and Irish flags are flying. A few times we had a special visitor, the two of them created more laughter than a three ring circus full of clowns… his name is Dave. Dave was as close to John Leo they could have been brothers. I heard so many hunting, fishing and golfing stories, but loved every moment. I will miss John Leo but as many others, he’ll never be forgotten. I loved you always and always will. Eternal Father we ask for comfort and blessings for this wonderful family now and forever! RIP My Friend
John,
I am truly sorry to learn of your Dad’s death. While I had met him several times I really did not know him well. But I recall many years ago that Lee Cook, VP of Construction and one of the owners of A.L. Blades, always spoke very highly of him. Please know that I will keep him and your family in my daily prayers.