WILBRAHAM ~ Henry G. Clay, Jr., 87, of Wilbraham, was Called Safely Home on Monday, October 24, 2022. He passed into Eternal Life at his home surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Springfield on July 27, 1935, a son of the late Henry and Dora (LaPlant) Clay. He was raised in the Winchester Square section of Springfield and graduated from the High School of Commerce. He furthered his education and received his Bachelor's of Science Physical Education Degree from Springfield College and his Master's of Education Degree from Westfield State College. He piloted F4 Phantoms off the USS Ranger in the Pacific Ocean during the Korean War in the United States Navy. He also served on the Navy Recruiting Command and was a member of the Recruiting District Assistance Council. He retired in 1975 with the rank of Commander and was the recipient of the United Nations Medal of Honor. Henry was the Director of Health, Physical Education and Safety for 35 years for the Springfield Public Schools and also served as an Acting Assistant Principal at Duggan Middle School. He was a member of the Springfield Lodge of Elks No. 61, the Springfield College Maroon Club, and the Springfield College Golden Triangle Society. He coached the John F. Kennedy, Jr. High School Soccer Teams in 1968, and the 1969 and 1970 Soccer Champs, and coached the 1968 and 1969 Basketball Teams. He was an avid golfer and 20 year member of the Ludlow Country Club. Active in his Catholic faith, he was a communicant of Saint Cecilia Church in Wilbraham. Most of all, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who would do anything for his family. He was predeceased by his beloved wife and soul mate, Dena (Legos) Clay who was Called Home on April 12, 2019. They were married on July 1, 1956 at Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Springfield and were blessed with over 62 years of happiness together. He leaves his four loving children, Henry G. Clay, III and his wife, Mary Ellen, of Longmeadow, Helene E. Clay Kelly and her husband, William Kelly, of Jensen Beach, FL, Jeffrey W. Clay and his wife, Barbara, of East Longmeadow, and Alicia C. Arnold and her husband, Christopher, of Natick; his four cherished grandchildren, Sophia and Ryan Clay, and Jordan and Ian Arnold; his dear sister-in-law, Demetra Bozoglos of Springfield; his special friend, Nicole Lussier of Wilbraham; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, numerous friends and extended family members. Besides his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his dear brothers, Robert Belmont and his wife, Elizabeth, and William Belmont; and his dear sisters, Janet Gibson and her husband, Donald, and Joan Bledsoe. His Funeral will be held on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, 413-737-1177, 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107 (funeral home will open at 9 a.m.), with an 11 a.m. Prayer Service to follow in the funeral home. His Committal Service with United States Navy Military Honors will follow the Prayer Service at 1 p.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. before the Service. For those who prefer, his family requests that memorial donations be made in Henry’s memory to the Springfield Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 9045, Springfield, MA 01102-9045. For more details, please visit:
www.stpierrephaneuf.com