Westfield – John D. Barclay, 90, (1928-2019)was born in Rochester, NY, on October 29, 1928 and died December 23, 2018. John was the second son of the late Harley and Marjorie (Spencer) Barclay. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Phyllis (McCoy) Barclay, and children John and wife, Denise, of Maple Valley, WA; Jeanne Ann Paolella-Stone and husband, Bill, of Wolcott, CT; Barbara Barclay of Wallingford, CT; Michael and wife, Laurie, of Williamsport, PA. He is also survived by grandchildren, Jacqueline Smith, Katlyn Paolella, Leland Barclay, Veronica Montoya, and Irene Atencio, as well as a great-grandchildren Chiara, Brianne, Griphyn, and Donnie. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Harley and his wife Virginia, and is survived by brothers, Bruce Barclay (Audrey) and Richard Barclay (Gail) of Rochester, NY, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was most proud of his family and their character, love, and accomplishments. John graduated from Jefferson High School, Rochester, NY and Ohio Wesleyan University. He completed post-graduate studies at Springfield College and George Williams College. He served in the Army during World War II, and later received an ROTC Air Force Commission in college. John was a professional YMCA Director for 40 years, retiring as Executive Director of the Westfield, MA YMCA in 1991. Prior to that, he was the Executive Director of the Bridgeport, CT YMCA, the Executive Director of the New Haven YMCA Central Branch, and the YMCA Director of Membership and Industrial Programs in Hamilton, OH. John was a true servant leader. He was an active community member in the Lions Club of Hamilton, OH and the Kiwanis Clubs of New Haven and Bridgeport, CT. He was an officer and Board Member of many organizations including the Rotary Club of Westfield, MA, where he received the Paul Harris Fellow Award from Rotary International. He served on the Board of Directors of the Human Service Forum of Springfield, the Sara Gilbert Foundation for the Elderly, the American Red Cross, the Chamber of Commerce, the Shurtliff Children’s Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the New England Chapter of YMCA retirees, and was a member of the Westfield Drug and Alcohol Council, and the Westfield Arts Commission and Arts West. John was previously an elder of the First Presbyterian Church of New Haven, CT, and was active in the First United Methodist Church of Westfield. After retirement, John enjoyed water color painting. He donated many paintings to the Westfield community for charity auctions. He shared many of his art work with family and friends.
John had a quiet demeanor, was a true gentleman, and a great example to those he touched. John has left a legacy for future generations. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 12 noon in the First United Methodist Church, 16 Court St. Westfield, MA 01085. Visiting hours will be held from 9:30-11:30AM in the Firtion Adams FS, 76 Broad St. Westfield, MA 01085. A private burial will be at The Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Agawam. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Westfield YMCA, 67 Court St. Westfield, MA or to the First United Methodist Church, 16 Court St. Westfield, MA 01085. www.firtionadams.com
