Patrick J Clancy

Patrick Clancy was a man who lived his life with great zest and devotion. Taking great pride in his military service, Patrick was able to devote his time and energy to a career he truly enjoyed. Showing great dedication to his family and friends, Patrick lived his life with a generous spirit.

Patrick’s story begins in the year 1949. It was a relatively peaceful time in the United States, compared with the tumultuous years of WWII and the Great Depression. With soldiers welcomed home victorious from war, the United States was finally finding itself in an age of prosperity and peace, only slightly marred by the growing tensions of the Cold war. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Robert W. And Florence J. (Baker) Clancy were excited to finally welcome their first born child into their lives. On December 11, 1949, they were blessed with the birth of their new son, Patrick J. Clancy.

Patrick soon found himself the older brother of six younger siblings, with two younger brothers and four younger sisters. His youngest sibling was born when Patrick was 14 years old. Together with his brothers and sisters, Patrick grew up in Milwaukee, where he attended both grade school and high school.

In April of 1970, Patrick desired to serve his country, and proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Patrick took great pride in his military service, and was pleased to serve as an electrical repairman on the USS Excel. One day, when Patrick was home on leave from the Navy, he was introduced to a young lady named Sally Weege by a mutual friend. The two went on a date together at Marty Zimpco’s, and soon found themselves dancing into a life long romance. On March 4, 1971, Patrick and Sally began their life together with a marriage ceremony at Milwaukee County Court House.

They spent a wonderful honeymoon in New York City, and enjoyed their first couple days together as husband and wife. Patrick and Sally were soon blessed with the births of their three wonderful children, Craig, Jennifer, and Shaun. Patrick loved being a father, and was a wonderful dad to his children. He was a strong disciplinarian, and taught his children many valuable life lessons. He encouraged his sons to play hockey and to attend hockey camps. When they had free time from hockey, the family enjoyed many vacations together.

Following discharge from the Navy, Patrick returned to Milwaukee, where he began working in a factory. Though he enjoyed his work, he found himself longing for his days working as an electrical repairman, and soon began seeking an apprenticeship as an electrician. After successfully completing his apprenticeship, he began working as an electrician for Lakeview Hospital, where he remained for 10 years. He then began working for St. Francis Hospital, where he stayed for more than 20 years.

Patrick enjoyed the electrical field, and showed great dedication in learning all that he could about his profession. He attained his journeyman card, became a master electrician, and began teaching in the apprentice program at Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC), and Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). He taught a continuing education program for established electricians in order for them to maintain their certification.

Patrick was an excellent teacher, and showed great passion in teaching others. In fact, he enjoyed teaching so much that he considered it a hobby. When he wasn’t teaching, Patrick enjoyed golfing, and every now and then he would indulge with a visit to a casino or horse race.

In June of 2009, Patrick found himself facing a great trial in his life; he was diagnosed with cancer of the brain. While he hoped to continue working and teaching, unfortunately Patrick was physically unable to do so. After a courageous fight, Patrick died on April 30, 2010 at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – St. Francis Hospital, the same hospital he helped maintain for the past 20 plus years.

Patrick was a caring, devoted man, who graciously offered to help anyone in need. A proud veteran, Patrick showed great enthusiasm throughout his life, and devoted his time and energy to a career he was truly passionate about. A beloved husband, cherished father, and dear brother and friend, Patrick showed great love throughout his life, and will continue to live on in the hearts of those he cared about. He will be greatly missed.

Patrick is survived by his beloved wife, Sally A. Clancy (Weege); his children, Craig (Amanda) Clancy, Jennifer Clancy, and Shaun Clancy; his grandchildren, Austin, Sabrina, Devan and Desiree’; and his siblings, Thomas, Karen, Sandra, Brian, Mary and Coleen. He is further survived by other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5 at Suminski Family Funeral Home, Niemann/Siminski, 2486 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207-1652, with internment to follow at Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetary, Union Grove, Wisconsin. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until the beginning of the funeral service. Please visit Patrick’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a memory with his family or sign his online guestbook.