Joseph N. Clancy

Joseph N. Clancy, (AKA, the guy who walked all over Ipswich) passed away on Tuesday  June 8, 2021 after a courageous and strong battle with Lewy Body Dementia.  He was 77 years young.

Born in Gloucester on August 18, 1943, he was the son of the late Harold and Violet (Martin) Clancy.  He was raised and educated in Gloucester, and eventually met his wife Betty (Elizabeth) and then moved to Ipswich to live and raise their family.  Joe and Betty were married for 25 years before her death in December 1996.

Joe had a long career as a truck driver, over 40 years, and drove for SCA, Waste Management, and New England Solid Waste. Joe had a friendly and loving personality and would often stop and talk to many customers and people along his route.  Everyone knew Joe Clancy!

During his spare time, Joe enjoyed bowling with his family and on leagues, playing the lottery, going to Foxwoods, watching Boston sports teams, except the Celtics because he thought basketball players were babies, hanging out at DJ’s Variety, listening to Garth Brooks and Elvis, watching old westerns with John Wayne, Davy Crockett movies, eating fried clams and ice cream, but above all else, walking.  After his retirement, Joe started walking, and walking, and walking.  He walked EVERYWHERE!  He walked at all hours of the night, and sometimes the Ipswich Police Dept. would stop to check on him during his two a.m. walks.  It was during these walks where Joe’s personality really shined!  He would stop and talk to anyone and everyone during his walks.  Eventually, people began to come out and greet him, sometimes even offer some water.  He would often go home and talk to his family about his conversations on his walks, and even though he sometimes may have forgotten a name or two, he always knew what house they lived in.  As his dementia progressed, Joe’s walks had to be sidelined, which caused great anguish for him. We know that the sidewalks of Ipswich will be much quieter without Joe Clancy.

His biggest love was saved for his grandchildren, they were his whole world.  He would cry with pride over every accomplishment, homerun, touchdown, play, report card, and concert.  Joe just enjoyed being around them, embarrassing them, making them laugh, shocking them with stories from his past, and giving them cute little nicknames, which they now treasure in their hearts.

He is survived by his 5 children,  Joseph Clancy, Jr. of Gloucester, Kevin Clancy and his wife, Dodie of Haverhill, Ann Monroe and her husband, Ken of Ipswich, Michael Clancy and his wife , Maria of Seabrook, NH and Pam Amazeen and her husband, Brad of Rowley,  16 grandchildren, Elisia Clancy and her fiancé, Jared Bell, Selina Clancy, Adam, Alex and Molly Clancy, Steven Monroe and his wife, Sabrina, Heather Phillips and her husband, Drew, Andrew and Connor Monroe, Shawn Clancy, Cassie, Joey and Allie Clancy and Bailey, Reagan and Abbie Amazeen and three great grandchildren, Calen Estep, and Esme and Ella Bell, and many, many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his daughter, Brenda Clancy, his twin brother, George and sister, Dolores.

His graveside service will be held at 11AM on Thursday, June 17, 2021 in New Highland Cemetery,  29 Town Farm Road, Ipswich.  Visitation will be held from 4-7PM on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 in the Morris Funeral Home, 45 N. Main St., Ipswich, all are respectfully invited.  For those attending the graveside service and/or the visiting hours, all are asked to follow safety procedures if needed.  In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Joe’s name to:  the Talia Duff Foundation, Inc.  at   www.curecmt4j.org .   Online condolences may be shared at www.MorrisFH.com .

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