Obituary of Thomas J Clancy

Thomas J. Clancy, 80, of Manalapan, passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2021, at home as a result of congestive heart failure. He was born in Brooklyn, New York and resided in Manalapan for 4 and a half years

Tom is survived by his wife Barbara of 59 years; daughter Carol Ann and her husband John Silver and grandson John Thomas (JT) who was named after his grandfather (of which it was a point of pride for Tom);  daughter-in-law Jenny Clancy and granddaughter Chloe Fiona.  He is also survived by his nieces Diane Goode Ballato, Laura Jantzen and Debbie Clancy Mattis and nephews Dennis Goode & Fred O’Brien.  With great distress, he was predeceased by his parents Bridget O’Neill at the age of 11, his father Steven Clancy at 24 and the ultimate tragedy was the passing of his namesake and firstborn Thomas Edward (Buddy) to cancer a decade ago; and his six brothers and sisters: John (Jackie) and his wife Eleanor Goode, Kathleen (Tootsie) and her husband Edward Sullivan, Dorothy and her husband Michael Ryan, James and his wife Theresa Goode, Evelyn Goode and Stephen and his wife Mary Clancy.

Tom joined the U.S. Navy at 17 years of age and was proud until his death to recount some of his most wonderful excursions traveling the world on the U.S.S. Lake Champlain aircraft carrier.  Imagine a kid from Brooklyn seeing the world at such a young age.  Upon his return, he married Barbara Mullen at 21.  Barbara often tells the story that when they were dating, there was not another many alive that was more young, handsome and physically fit after being in the Navy than he was.

Tom and Barbara followed their lifelong (still to this day) friends Kitty and Jack Kenny to New Jersey to live in Matawan for 22 years where they raised their two children surrounded by an amazing group of neighborhood friends on Lakeside Drive, the Christian communities of their children’s schools St. Joseph’s elementary school in Keyport and St. John Vianney H.S. in Holmdel and hours upon hours of their sporting activities—many of which Tom was the baseball and basketball coaches for Buddy and his contemporaries.  He and his is family were members of St. Clement’s parish.

After working as the East Coast Sales Manager for Fedders Air Conditioner in his 30s and 40s, Tom slowed down when he and Barbara moved to Brick, NJ, in 1990 and worked as a Union Delegate for the Veteran’s Administration.  While living there, his two grandchildren were born and  and he began his most prized position in life—being a grandfather.  And, what a grandfather he was!  He enjoyed being at 95% of every baseball game, football game, soccer game and scouting event that was on the schedule.  His daughter’s neighbors and friends came to know him and his sweet demeanor because of his presence at every event.  When asked how he was, Tom was quick to tell you the achievements and pride he took in his grandchildren’s accomplishments—as there are many.

It was Tom’s pure joy to be with his brothers and sisters and their children, as well as his friends the Kenny’s and their four children (Cathy, Eileen, Sean & Denis and spouses and children) and Christine and John Malloy and their three children (Ronald, Christopher & Jeannie and spouses and children) whom he considered his true, blood family, too.  He was known as a man who could tell a great joke, make you happy to be in his presence and always wanted to hear about the lighter side of life.

Tom felt that he was blessed with his son-in-law John whom he loved dearly.  They had a true bond and friendship.  He too often proclaimed how lucky he was to have a good, kind, loving man in his family’s life, to have been given a son-in-law that was also a son to him, as well as to have his grandson raised by such a family man.  They had many laughs together and ventured to Atlantic City often to enjoy each other’s company mostly returning without a fatter wallet—unfortunately.

Tom’s last days were filled with family and friends lovingly caring for him at home surrounding him with all the love he always shared with others.

Tom was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Rose Of Lima Church at 16 McLean Street in Freehold, NJ on February 6, 2021 at 10 o’clock.  Because the family is well aware of the constraints of gatherings of large groups of people, they wish to express to their friends that a traditional Irish wake and funeral will not take place at this time.  A telephone call offering support will be tremendously welcome to his widow…or a raised of a glass in his honor will be appreciated.  To leave a condolence or find directions, visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com