John Robert Clancey, 76, of Winchester, Virginia, and formerly of Warwick, New York, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025.

Born on May 23, 1949, in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, John lived a life marked by devotion, curiosity, and craftsmanship. He earned his Master of Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University, graduating Magna Cum Laude—a testament to his dedication and intellect.

John’s professional journey spanned roles in finance for various retail establishments, entrepreneurship as the owner of an optical dispensing company, and later, a fulfilling career as a real estate agent.

A natural “fixer upper” and jack of all trades, John found joy in building and repairing, including the cherished family home on Chadwick Beach Island that he constructed with his father. Summers at the Jersey Shore became treasured traditions for the Clancey family.

A passionate collector of American Flyer trains, John especially loved sharing his collection with his grandchildren during the holidays. He was active in his church and deeply committed to his faith and community.

John’s love of history—particularly the Civil War—led him to Belle Grove Plantation in Middletown, Virginia, where he volunteered for ten years. He served as a docent beginning in 2012, was elected to the Board in 2015, and contributed to the Education Committee. He was later elected to be an officer and with his role as Board Chair he left a lasting impact on the organization and its mission.

Above all, John was a devoted family man. His six granddaughters were the absolute light of his life, and he took immense pride in their joy, growth, and accomplishments.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford A. and Henrietta Clancey (née Van Dam), and his brother, Clifford A. Clancey. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Virginia Clancey (née Turk); his daughter Tara and son-in-law Jonathan Newell; his son Sean and daughter-in-law Tiffany; and his beloved grandchildren: Rowan, Brittyn, London, and Hudson Newell, and Emma and Chloe Clancey.

John will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous spirit, and the deep love he held for his family and community. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he leaves behind.

A graveside service will be at 11 am on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Mt. Hebron Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for John’s memory to be honored with donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.