William R. Clare

William R. Clare, age 92, of Dade City, FL passed away at his home on May 4, 2020. He was born on October 9, 1927 in Oswego, NY to parents Albert Clare & Catherine (Reed) Clare.
William grew up on his family farm in New York and loved to tell his children and grandchildren about how much he hated churning butter on the farm!
When he was 17 years old, William joined the United States Navy and was a proud veteran. After his time in the military he went on to become the Deputy Chief of the Oswego Fire Department, a career with people he truly enjoyed. Even after retirement William remained very successful, owning several businesses. He owned a grocery store, ice cream parlor, and a local bar. Although he had a very busy career, William was a man of faith and enjoyed remaining active in the Catholic Church.
William had several hobbies, but sports were his favorite. He loved sports his whole life, starting in childhood when he would frequently play baseball in Oswego, NY. Later in life he played golf and really liked it – even though, as his family fondly remembers, golf didn’t always like him! You could often find William watching sports in his living room, but it didn’t stop there. In fact, William also enjoyed old movies and therefore insisted on having two televisions so he could watch both at the same time!
Every summer, William would stay in Oswego for the few weeks of summer to spend time with his family and attend the Annual Fireman’s Breakfast – he always tried to be the last to leave. His family would also come down to Florida to visit him and he truly loved the time they spent together. Time spent with William was always fun, he was the life of the party, any party, and truly a good sport. He even tried his hand at karaoke, his favorite song to sing being “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. The song was very fitting of him and he sounded great, a memory his family will always cherish.
Along with his parents, William was preceded in death by his first wife, Anita (Davis) Clare, who passed away in 1976; his second wife, Lela (Torbitt Musico) Clare, who passed away in 2005; one sister, Frances Chambers; one son, William Clare; and four stepsons: James Musico, Thomas Musico, Robert Musico, and Michael Musico.
Loving survivors include one daughter, Suzanne Naylor (Philip); four stepdaughters: Mary Lou Lagoe, Connie Fry, Joann Musico, and Gloria Musico; one stepson, Bill Musico; one grandson, Justin Waters (Amy); one granddaughter, Jennifer Lafrance; three great-grandchildren: Jacob Waters, Abigail Waters, and Alex Lafrance; many stepgrandchildren and greatgrandchildren; one brother-in-law, William Chambers; and one niece, Cathy Goggin.
Funeral services are private and at the convenience of the family.
There are no calling hours.
Arrangements are in care of the Dowdle Funeral Home.
 

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