Kevin McClune

BALLSTON LAKE – Kevin McClune, 65, of Ballston Lake, died Thursday, March 7, 2013 at St. Peter’s Hospital. He was my dad, and it doesn’t make sense to me to write this obituary from any other perspective.

Dad was born and raised in Albany, and lived here in the Capital District all his life. He grew up in the McClune family as the second of five kids, and was a standout pitcher as an Albany high school and college student athlete. Dad started working in a state office mailroom at 18 years of age, paying his own way through college, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Albany. Dad was well established as an auditor at the Office of the State Comptroller by the time I was born. He remained with the state for his entire career, working his way up the State Comptroller ranks and eventually reaching the position of Audit Director before retiring after 37 years of service.

Outside of work, Dad married my mom, Susan Hackett McClune, in 1979, and fathered a family of three kids: Brian (me), Brendan (my brother), and Megan (my sister) McClune. Dad loved to fish and to spend time outdoors – his pride in our lawn was evidenced by our commercial-worthy grass each year – but his greatest passions were horse racing and University of Albany sports. Dad traveled many times to the Kentucky Derby and was a mainstay for decades at the Saratoga Race Track, first as a patron and in retirement as a security officer – even seen escorting riders to the Winner’s Circle in recent years. As a UAlbany alum, Dad supported his alma mater as a generous donor, perennial basketball and football season ticket holder, and tirelessly loyal fan, treating his kids to countless games along the way.

Dad was a lot of things in life, and in fact, he remains many of those things today. Dad is a husband, survived by his wife and my mom, Susan. He is a father, survived by Brendan, Megan, and me. He is a brother, survived by his sister, Nancy Palma (Abe) of Albany and his brothers Dennis McClune (Virginia Manning) of Schenectady, Thomas McClune (Mary) of St. Petersburg, FL, and Martin McClune (Debbie) of Rensselaer. And he is an uncle, survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

As a father, Dad was even more. Dad was a wonderful football and basketball coach. Dad was an expert fisherman. Dad was a great teacher and a fortress of knowledge – a veritable encyclopedia, dictionary, and crossword answer key in one. Dad was – and is – a role model for integrity, hard work and commitment, an inspiration, and a source of endless love and support. To us lucky kids, though, he was – and is – just Dad.

Finally, there are many things that Dad will be, too. Dad will be found every day in the minds of all of us lucky enough to have known him. He will be felt every day in the hearts of all of us who care for him. He will be immensely and dearly loved. And God, he will be sorely missed. From Mom, Bren, Meg, and me… we will always love you Dad.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday morning at 10:00 in Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2001 U.S. 9, Round Lake. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Monday from 4-8 pm. To leave a message of condolence for the family, send a sympathy card, or obtain directions to the funeral home or church, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Jerome L. Greene Family Center, 132 W 32nd St, New York, New York 10001.

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