
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.
Susan
What a wonderful tribute to your Dad, Brian. As much as my tears flow for your loss, I rejoice knowing he is in the best possible place any of us can be: walking with God. Remember I am here to help in anyway I can (except taking the desk!).
Jan O'Malley
Jim and I send our love and prayers to you and your family. This is such a difficult time for you. We had the pleasure of meeting Kevin during one of our visits to New York to visit our dear friends, Nancy and Abe. We were all at The Joe enjoying a ball game.
Jim and Jan O’Malley
Greensboro, North Carollina
judy tabor
What a wonderful tribute to your Dad. May all those happy memories that you have of your Dad carry you through this difficult time. RIP Kevin. Judy and Vince
Sheila and Steve Kenny
Susan, Brian, Brendan and Megan – Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love, The Kennys
Peggy and Tim Cummings
Sue, Brian, Brendan, and Megan, you all are in our thoughts and prayers! God bless you all, and please find comfort in The Lord!
Carole Sharkey
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. I am so grateful that I was able to spend time with Kevin this past year, I will always treasure our early morning talks,he was very special to me and I know to all who knew him. God bless you all.
Carole
Mick and Maureen Fennessy
Susan, Brian, Brendan, Megan and Family, Our sincere and heart felt condolences to all of you. Brian what a Wonderful tribute to your Dad. May all the happy memories help you through the days ahead. May you take comfort in knowing that he is watching over you. Your in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless and peace be with all of you. Love Mick, Maureen and Family
Dennis McClune
Beautiful bit of writing Brian … I shall miss him as much as you ….
Sue…. need anything at all, that We can do … just call …
Love you all … Dennis and Virginia
Betty Lindberg
We were so looking forward to spending time with Kevin in Florida at Sugar Sands. Kevin was always ready for a fishing trip with the guys. (even if he lost his quarter for the first fish caught) Kevin fit in very well here and we all felt a great fondness for him. Although I am selfish enough to wish we had a little more time with him, I he is in a better place. (Kevin, if you are listening, the sign you make for the front of your condo looks great
Betty & Bud
Leslye J. Seymour
That was a lovely and heart warming story about your FATHER. You did him Proud.
Midge Duffy
Sue,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your children. I only met Kevin or twice but I could see just how Happy you both were as friends, partners, parents and soul mates. you were both so lucky to have that.
Love you,
Midge Duffy