Cummin Clancy, Former Olympian and Garden City Businessman, Dies

Cummin M. Clancy of Garden City died peacefully at home Feb. 15.

Mr. Clancy called Garden City home for 51 years. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 58 years, Maureen; children Maura, Sean, Sheila, Brian and Brendan; and numerous grandchildren.

A former Olympian for Ireland in 1948, he later founded Clancy & Clancy Brokerage, Ltd. in 1956. The family-operated, independent insurance agency has become a fixture on Seventh Street, where its been doing business for years.

John Wilton, chair of Garden City's Merchants, Professionals & Retailers group, said Mr. Clancy was a "progressive dynamic business innovator."

"He was a giant of a man, an Olympic medal winner for Ireland, a progressive dynamic business innovator, philanthropic to a fault, a leader in Garden City and one of the finest family man you could have known," he said.

Trustee Dennis Donnelly, long time village board liaison to the business community, added, "Cummin was a dedicated family man, outstanding business leader and quintessential charitable icon. Garden City will miss him. He will always be known as a son of Ireland but he will also be remembered as a force for good in our village."

In 2011, the Clancy family received the Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club's Community Service Award in honor of their volunteerism during a cocktail buffet Mr. Clancy and his wife graciously hosted at their home.

Village attorney Gary Fishberg, active with the Rotary Club, remembered Mr. Clancy as a "very accomplished but unassuming, congenial gentleman."

Althea Robinson, a fellow Rotarian who also serves as executive director of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce, added, "Cummin was a long-time friend both of mine and of the Chamber. He was a man of the greatest stature in every conceivable way - held in the highest regard within the Garden City business community and well beyond. Founder of Clancy & Clancy Brokerage, Ltd., Cummin, along with his wife Maureen, were honored as the Chamber’s “Business Persons of the Year” in 1993. One of its longest members, the Clancys have supported the Chamber’s every activity and effort for more than 30 years. It is with warmest memories that we will miss our friend Cummin Clancy."

Village administrator Robert Schoelle, also a Rotarian, remembered Mr. Clancy as a "citizen who consistently gave freely of his time and talents."

"Cummin Clancy was a great man, one who was respected by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather and a true friend and citizen who consistently gave freely of his time and talents," he said. "Cummin was also an astute businessman who was strongly motivated to achieve optimal results for his customers. He was the consummate host who had the ability to light up a gathering with his broad, infectious smile. Cummin Clancy will certainly be missed. I know that I will miss him."

A funeral Mass was held in his honor Wednesday at St. Joseph's Church. Interment followed at Holy Rood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Rota Care.

At Thursday's village board meeting mayor Don Brudie mentioned Mr. Clancy's passing before he called a moment of silence, asking residents to keep the Clancy family in their prayers.