Obituary of William L. Clapham

BRUNSWICK – William L. Clapham of Brunswick, NY passed away peacefully on April 6, 2023, after a long and difficult illness. His cherished family was by his side. Bill would have celebrated his 80th birthday on July 6. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Denise Cunningham Clapham; his four beloved and devoted sons Gregg Clapham of Santa Monica, CA, Brett Clapham (Michele) of Wynantskill NY; Josh Clapham (Sarah) of Colorado Springs, CO and Dustin Clapham of Albany, NY. as well as five adored and adoring grandchildren: Danielle and Carter Clapham of Wynantskill and Sammi, Brody and Eva Clapham of Colorado Springs. Other survivors include his favorite sister- in- law Jo Ann McCarthy, brother-in-law and partner in crime John McCarthy and treasured nieces Tess and Meg McCarthy. Along with teasing their wives unmercifully, Bill and John enjoyed gabbing for hours and target shooting at the local range. Also surviving is his longtime best friend and work partner, Nick Capra of Florida. Bill was predeceased by his parents C. Vaughn and Adelaide Twining Clapham and younger brother Ricky, all of Johnson City NY and sister Suzanne O’Brien of Buffalo NY. Born in Johnson City, Bill was a graduate of Johnson City High School in 1961 and Union College in 1965. At Union he was a brother in and later president of the Sigma Phi fraternity. During his college years he played drums professionally getting his start when he was asked to play with The Corvettes. While playing with them, he backed such stars as Bo Diddley, Chubby Checker and Brian Highland. Post college graduation he went to work for New York State as a Market Analyst in the State Labor Department - going on to work in various positions in the Department of Mental Hygiene including Special Assistant to the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Budget Analyst. The last 22 years of his 36 plus years of government service were spent in the State Judiciary where he had the honor and privilege of being appointed by four Chief Justices of the New York State Court of Appeals - serving as the New York State Unified Court System’s Director of Budget and Financial Management. Following retirement from NYS service in 1998 he took his first job in the private sector as the chief financial and technology officer for Spitizies Harley Davidson dealership in Colonie NY- trading in suits and ties for jeans and motorcycle jackets. In the 1970’s Bill served as treasurer on the original board of directors of Unity House in Troy where he met his wife, Denise. One of Bill’s greatest passions was giving many years of unconditional support and encouragement to his son Dustin’s band and its members. He enjoyed decades of hosting weekly band practices at the house. A lifelong lover of animals, Bill enjoyed his many pets - especially pug babies Layla and Gypsy, along with crazy cats Ozzy, Sophie and Rocky. He found much pleasure in walking the dogs and chatting with neighbors every day. In light of this, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands, NY 12204. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 29, 2023. All are welcome to join the family in this tribute to Bill. For more information and to be placed on the guest list please email your contact information to billcelebration7@gmail.com The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to all of the many health care professionals who cared for him throughout the past five years. Special thanks to Dr. Barry Shuman, MD and the doctors, nurses and staff in the Samaritan Intensive Care Unit. Fond Memories and Expressions of Sympathy may be shared with the Clapham Family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com