Watertown, NY — Former Jefferson County Court Judge Lee Clary, known for his profound impact on the local community and legal field, passed away at the age of 86. His death was confirmed to have occurred peacefully at Samaritan Medical Center last Thursday.
Born on October 13, 1937, in Geneva, New York, Clary was a lifelong advocate for justice and public service. After earning a philosophy degree from St. Bernard’s Seminary in Rochester and completing his legal studies at Syracuse University, where he met his future wife, Shirley A. McDonald, Clary embarked on a distinguished career in law that saw him rise from working in local law firms to becoming the district attorney in 1976.
In 1986, Clary was elected as a Jefferson County Court Judge, a role he held with distinction until his retirement in 1999. His tenure was marked by a commitment to fairness and community service, not just within the courtroom but also through his extensive volunteer work.
Beyond his legal responsibilities, Clary was deeply involved in various community outreach programs. He served on the boards of Meals on Wheels and the Volunteer Transportation Center and was a founding member of the Credo Community Center. His participation extended to educational institutions as well, where he was a board member of the North Country Community Foundation and the Carthage Central School District.
Clary’s love for community was paralleled by his passion for music and sports. He was an active member of his church choirs and enjoyed cheering for his favorite sports teams, including Syracuse University, the Boston Red Sox, and the local Carthage Comets. An avid golfer and skier, Clary also cherished the time spent watching his children and grandchildren engage in sports and school activities.
Surviving Clary are his wife of nearly six decades, Shirley, and their four children, Mary Beth Sheridan, Kevin Clary, Karen Clary, and Timothy Clary, along with seven grandchildren. He also leaves behind a legacy of community involvement and judicial integrity that enriched the lives of many in Jefferson County and beyond.
Arrangements for Clary’s remembrance include calling hours at Hart & Bruce Funeral Home this Monday afternoon, followed by a funeral service at Sacred Heart Church on Tuesday. He will be laid to rest at Black River Cemetery immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Meals on Wheels or the Volunteer Transportation Center in honor of Clary’s commitment to community service.
The enduring image of Judge Lee Clary as a champion for the underrepresented and a stalwart community figure will remain an inspiring legacy for both Jefferson County and its residents. Clary’s life is a testament to the profound impact steadfast dedication and compassionate leadership can have on both a community and its people.