Lee Clary

Lee Clary, 86, of Black River, New York, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2024, at the Samaritan Medical Center.
Born on October 13, 1937, in Geneva, New York, Lee was the son of Leo and Margaret (Carey) Clary. Lee graduated from Cathedral High School in Syracuse, NY, in 1955, and earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from St. Bernard's Seminary in Rochester, NY, in 1959. He continued his education at Syracuse University, where he met the love of his life, Shirley A. McDonald, and earned his Juris Doctor in Law in 1964. The couple married on August 29, 1964, at Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Syracuse. After Lee began his career at the Thomas Lowery law firm in Syracuse, he and Shirley moved to Black River in 1968. He continued his legal career with various law firms in Watertown, NY, before being elected District Attorney for Jefferson County in 1976. He was a true servant of the people, first as District Attorney and then after his 1986 election as County Court Judge, a position he held until his retirement in 1999.
Throughout his life, Lee was dedicated to his community. He was a board member and volunteer for Meals on Wheels and the Volunteer Transportation Center, served on the boards of the North Country Community Foundation and the Carthage Central School District, and was a founding member of Credo Community Center. In addition, he was actively involved in his parish communities, singing in the choir at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Black River and later at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in Watertown. He also sang with the Celebration Choir and the Northern Choral Society. An avid sports fan, Lee enjoyed cross-country and downhill skiing, golfing, and bike riding. He was a longtime member of the Carlowden Golf Club and a passionate supporter of Syracuse University, the Boston Red Sox, and the Carthage Comets. He especially cherished watching his children and grandchildren participate in their sports and school activities.
Lee is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Shirley A. Clary of Black River, NY, and his four children: Mary Beth (Daniel) Sheridan of Silver Spring, MD; Kevin (Lynn) Clary of Washington, DC; Karen (David Stornelli) Clary of Pittsford, NY; and Timothy Clary of Stowe, VT. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Sean and Fiona Sheridan, Jemma and Joey Clary, Ryan Gross, and Nat and Jordan Stornelli. Lee leaves behind his sister Jeanne O'Connor of Reisterstown, MD; his brother and sister-in-law Daniel (Jackie) Clary of Durham, NC; his sisters-in-law Arlene Endieveri of Baldwinsville, NY, and Mary Ellen McDonald of Syracuse, NY; his brother and sister-in-law Ron (Hatice) McDonald of St. Augustine, FL; his brother-in-law Bobby McDonald of Raeford, NC; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law Cathy (Kevin) Hannon; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Sandra (Daniel) Vaughn; and his brothers-in-law Jim McDonald, Ed O'Connor, and Tony Endieveri.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, August 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Hart & Bruce Funeral Home, 117 North Massey Street, Watertown.
A prayer service will be held at 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, August 27, at the funeral home, followed by an 11 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, 320 W. Lynde Street, Watertown. Burial will follow immediately in Black River Cemetery.
Donations in Lee's memory may be made to Meals on Wheels or the Volunteer Transportation Center, Inc., Watertown, NY Online condolences may be left at www.hartandbrucefh.com.
To send flowers
to the family, please visit our floral store.