T. Brian Clancy

Brian Clancy, age 85, passed away peacefully at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center on April 5, 2025, after a brief illness. Brian was born in Kilkieran, Connemara, County Galway, Ireland to Tommy and Eileen Clancy as the third of ten children. He studied and taught in England before coming to America (Boston) in 1962. There he met Carole, and they settled back in her hometown of Rochester where he taught English in Spencerport, NY and retired as an Editor after many years at General Code Publishers.

Music was his passion. Brian was very active throughout his life in the Irish music scene in Rochester and Western NY. Whether it was a night at the Hibernian’s club, or the Irish Inn in the old days, Carroll’s or an afternoon in the kitchen, there was always music around, enjoyed and shared with friends from near and far. His first band was The Rising, and later he would have many years playing as a founding member of the Emigrants. Over the years he was fortunate to see the resurgence of traditional Irish music by the younger generation and he enjoyed all the great new talent. So many friends over the years sharing music and some fun! He also was so delighted to help preserve the Gaelic language by teaching to all who were interested over the years.

Brian is survived by his daughter Amy (Rob) Aguglia, and grandchildren, Liam McMahon and Emma (Adam Schouten) McMahon. He is survived by his brothers: Martin Clancy of Chicago and John (Alma) Clancy of Kilkieran, Ireland and his sisters: Mary Flanagan of Longford, Ireland, Noreen (George) Grafton of England, Gabrielle (Sean) Riordan of Annaghdown, Ireland, Margaret (Francis) Keane of Rosmuc, Ireland, Treana (Kevin) Hawke of Auckland, NZ and Regina (Paddy Joe) King of Inishbofin, Ireland and many, many nieces and nephews. He is now reunited in peace with his parents and his sister Ann of Kilkieran, Ireland who preceded him in death. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Tommy Amick of Auckland, NZ and a host of friends from all over the world.

The family would like to thank the staff at Unity Hospital (4300) and the entire Hildebrandt staff for the absolute wonderful care and attention in his last days. Thanks to all the friends and family who came to see him on his last day to sing songs and laugh about the good memories. Special thanks to Andrew Keane for being there as a great support for everything in the past few weeks.

As he wished, he will be going home to Kilkieran, Ireland for his final rest and service in October. For all his dear friends near and far, we wanted to honor him here too, where he made his home and life for 60+ years.

We will be memorializing him at a Celebration Concert with friends coming together to play some of his favorite songs and poems, a blessing and maybe a story or two on Sunday, May 4 at the Avon Park Theater, 71 Genesee Street, Avon NY 14414. The concert will start at 2:00pm led by his dear friend, John Dady. There will be 2 – 1-hour performances, with a 30-minute break in between and time afterwards also to catch up and have a bite or a drink. All are welcome.

In the spirit of his love for music and continued support for the arts and performance, we are establishing an award/scholarship for students at SUNY Geneseo whose studies include Irish and/or Folk music. Please consider donating in his memory. 

Donations can be made by Venmo @Brian-Clancy-40 (last 4 of #5563) or to Amy until the direct link is established shortly.