Joseph Russell “Russ” Clay, Jr., 90, a resident of Davidsonville, MD and previously of Willingboro, NJ, and Buccaneer Estates, North Ft. Meyers FL, passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2024. He was surrounded by family. Born on August 9, 1934 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Joseph R. Clay, Sr. and Florence (Oldenburgh) Clay.
He attended classes at LaSalle University in Philadelphia before entering the automotive industry at Reedman Corporation in Langhorne, PA. After moving to Florida, he worked at Magnolia Landing Golf Course. Russ served his country in the US Army from 1954 until being honorably discharged in 1956. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and was a longtime faithful member of Corpus Christi Church in Willingboro, NJ where he was an usher and served as chairman of the church’s annual carnival. He was fan of all sports, especially golf and was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. He loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren and at his backyard koi pond. He participated in the Knights of Columbus golf league and various softball leagues. He was an active participant in the Buccaneer Estates community activities and events. Russ is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Janet Richman Clay; his daughters, Linda (Gene) O’Hara of Virginia Beach, VA, Debra (Sean) Shapert of Davidsonville and Patricia (Mark) Holmes of Salisbury, MD; grandchildren Conor (Stephanie) O’Hara, Joseph (Arooj) Bonsall, Liam Holmes, Jared Shapert, Amanda (Richard) Long, Caitlin (Chad) Lyall and Colleen O’Hara; five great grandchildren; and he was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Regina Giltinan. A Memorial Mass will be offered on Saturday, November 23 at 11 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Russ’s name may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Breakthrough T1D, P.O. Box 5042, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5042. Online condolences and tributes may be made by using the memories link at George Kalas Funeral Home.
