The late Matt Clancy belonged to three fire companies in Cornwall. He was active with Storm King, and an honorary member of the Mountainville and Highland Engine Companies. It was a tribute to his generous nature and his popularity.
After Mr. Clancy’s death at age 47 on June 15, his friends started to meet weekly to plan a fund raiser to help the Clancy family with expenses. The result is a Fall Fest at the Black Rock Fish & Game Club that will include live music, bounce houses and food.
The event is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 14 from noon to 5 p.m. There’s no advance sale. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event.
At their most recent meeting, Mr. Clancy’s friends took time to reminisce. “You could mention his name anywhere in the county,” Bill Goldsmith recalled, “and someone would say, ‘I know him.’”
That was due in part to his generosity. “There was never anything that Matty didn’t buy,” Mr. Goldsmith continued. “Whatever the cause, he was willing to contribute.”
Kevin Hines knew Matt Clancy for most of his life. They met and became friends in the first grade at St. Thomas of Canterbury School. Over the years there was one thing that never changed. “When Matt walked into the room,” Mr. Hines said, “you knew you were going to have a good time.”
The organizers expect that folks will have a good time at the Sunday afternoon event. Part of the fun will be seeing people they know and experiencing the old-fashioned feeling of community.
There’s been evidence of that in the planning stage. The entertainers have volunteered their services, and local businesses have donated prizes for the raffles.
The goal is to raise $10,000 for the Clancy family (wife Francine and daughters Jaclyn and Janine). As of Labor Day weekend, friends had contributed close to $4,000 at youcaring.com/friendsofmattclancy.
Bill Goldsmith wasn’t surprised by the positive response. “Matt was a great family man,” he said, “and a good friend.”
