Robert M. Clancy Jr.

Robert M. Clancy passed away at the age of 81 on February 17, 2025. He was born on October 12, 1943, in Laporte, Indiana. He lived a long life of Irish luck, love, and laughter.
Bob is proceeded in death by father, Robert Clancy; mother, Gloria Clancy; and brother, John Clancy. He is survived by his wife, Janyce (Jay) Clancy; sister, Patricia (Pat) Clancy; sons, Mike (Denise) Clancy, Chris (Debbie) Clancy, and Matt Clancy; grandchildren, Zarah (Daniel) Skelton, Tori Clancy, Michael Clancy, and Erin Clancy; great-grandchildren, Lake Skelton and Roan Skelton; niece, Ann (Steve) Owens; and nephew, John Clancy Jr.
Bob can best be remembered for his love of good food, great spirits, travel, and his Irish heritage. He created the most magical combination of them all in Clancy's Deli; the restaurant he owned and operated in St. Joseph, Michigan. His passion for sandwiches, cheeses, and traditional Irish eats paired perfectly with his impeccable customer service and desire to create a special atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. When Clancy's Deli opened its doors in 1989, it quickly became a go-to restaurant for locals and tourists alike in Southwestern Michigan and expanded to a second location. Bob eventually retired to spend more time relaxing in the pool, watching National Geographic, spoiling his dogs Riley and Sampson, and teaching his grandchildren about everything from mowing the lawn to making the perfect fried egg.
Before opening his dream deli, Bob worked for Whirlpool in computer processing and programming and served as a programmer and Director of Data Processing for Clark Equipment and Van Dresser Corporation. He was able to travel the world through these positions and continued a love for learning about different cultures throughout his
life.
Bob was a beloved member of his community: He was the President of the Niles Apple Festival for five years and organized the electrical for the site. He served as Vice President and Treasurer of the Greater Niles Jaycees and chaired the first Haunted House and Fly In. He was heavily involved in the Northside Garden, even installing the
sprinkling system.
Boating on Lake Michigan, playing the drums, reading Consumer Reports, snowmobiling, and golfing were some favorite hobbies of Bob's. Many will best picture Bob enjoying the beautiful life he built with his wife Jay. They could often be found camping, riding their Harley Davidson motorcycle, gardening, snow skiing, playing cards, taking weekend trips to Chicago, and spending time with their family and friends. There was never a cheese board Jay made that Bob didn't take "just a nibble" of many times over and never a tear left unshed when he was a proud father or grandfather.
"May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sunshine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand."
-An Irish Blessing
Memorial Service:
Saturday, May 3rd from 2-4 PM
Hildebrand Hills Community Center
10459 Garr Rd, Berrien Springs, MI 49103
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Caring Circle Hospice
4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085