William Clancy - Obituary

illiam Joseph Clancy, 80, of Bowie, MD, died peacefully in the loving presence of his family on Thursday, December 13, 2012. He was the beloved husband of Catherine (Kay) Clancy for 57 years. Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, Bill served over 20 years in the United States Air Force logging over 10,000 flight crew hours, including service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars as well as the Strategic Air Command and Operation Looking Glass while with the Airborne Command Post. Following his career in the Air Force, he also served over 40 years in Catholic education for the Archdiocese of Washington Schools. Bill, a graduate of the University of Maryland, served as a classroom educator and as an administrator at several schools, including Principal at Mt. Calvary Catholic School (Forestville, MD) and Assistant Principal at St. Mary of the Assumption School (Upper Marlboro, MD). Dear to his heart was implementing chapters of the National Junior Honor Society at both schools, as the Society recognizes students for both academic achievement and stellar personal character. Although he loved teaching Math, Bill’s passion was teaching religion. A devout Catholic, Bill was committed to nurturing the faith of his students and encouraging them to manifest their faith each and every day “by living as Christ.” He also served as a teacher at St. Margaret Catholic School (Seat Pleasant, MD), St. Ignatius Catholic School (Fort Washington, MD), and St. Matthias Apostle School (Lanham, MD). In addition to his indomitable faith and love of family and country, Bill was known for his penchant for Maine lobster (especially at Hampton Beach, NH), reading novels and history, telling stories to illustrate a point and, of course, following his beloved Boston Red Sox. As a longsuffering Red Sox fan, he was overjoyed to be in the stands for the Game 4 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals that clinched the 2004 World Series. As a servant leader, Bill was humble regarding his many accomplishments often choosing to share recognition with his colleagues. Quick to laugh, eager to talk baseball, patient and kind, he made a lasting impact on many over his lifetime, including generations of students. As a devoted father, Bill encouraged his children to pursue their dreams and served as a steadfast support to them. Along with his wife, he leaves four sons, a daughter, and eleven grandchildren: Michael Clancy, his wife Lynn, and their four children Matthew, Timothy, Mark and Sean; Kevin Clancy, his wife Kelley, and their three children Rachel, Connor and Dillon; Linda McNally, her husband Joseph (deceased), and their two children Ian and Evan; Brian Clancy and his wife Michelle; and John Clancy, his wife Traci, and their two children Kevin and Patrick. A viewing will be held on Thursday, December 20 from 3:00-5:00 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 14908 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. The funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 21 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, as well. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary of the Assumption School, 4610 Largo Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 or to Mt. Calvary Catholic School, 6704 Marlboro Pike, Forestville, MD 20747.