Willard Clarey Obituary

Dear Bill...I don't know quite what to say except Thank you. Somehow that still doesn't seem like enough. You saved my life, literally, and I'll never forget that day when you stopped me from walking off at St. Mary's. You talked sense into my head, and shared your soul with me. I am eternally grateful to you dear Bill...Godspell was the best time in my life thus far, and much of that is thanks to you. You will always remain in my heart forever...



My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family and everyone who has experienced this loss.



I forgive you Bill. I love you, and I will never, EVER forget you.

To the family of Billy Clarey, I was so sadden to hear about Billy. I am so sorry for your loss. I have such wonderful memories of Billy when I had the priviledge of being one his Prek teacher in Boston, New York. I remember the first time we showed him his 'real' name, Willard, and he told us that wasn't his name, that it was Billy! He particularly loved the dress up corner. He loved being in a 'costume.' I remember the conversations about spending time in Rehoboth as my family and I still do. He was so very kind hearted as a child I can only image the man he became. I remember once a couple summers ago when I had Meghan on my rec staff, she was on the phone talking to Billy while at the playground. She shared with me who she was talking to and that Billy remembered his Prek teachers. Whether he did or didn't I was touched by that thought! My thoughts and prayers, along with the entire Prek staff that were lucky enough to have known him, are with all of you at this difficult time.

My daughter, Katy Armstong, was very distressed to learn of Billy's death. They were both part of the cast of MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM about 4 years ago at the Lon Chaney Theater in CS. Katy is a student in Bronxville, NY and had talked with Billy about a month prior to his death. I wanted to express my sincere sympathy for the great loss you are going through on Katy's behalf. I also wanted to add that we lost our son, Ricky, when he was 4 years old to drowning during a private swim lesson here in Manitou Springs. A group called The Compassionate Friends is wonderful support for bereaved parents. We led the group in the early 80s for 5 years. It no doubt saved our sanity and marriage. It meets once a month here in Colorado Springs and has thousands of chapters through out the world.

Please contact me if you want more information. Right now, I can only express a great sadness as Katy and we share in your great loss. Helen Armstrong

To the Clarey family,

My deepest condolences for the loss of an incredible and rich soul, who always seemed to bring out a smile on the faces that surrounded him. The time I spent with him at St. Mary's contain some of the best memories of my life- memories I will always cherish. His time here will never be forgotten and I am deeply sorry for your loss. I know I am not alone when I say that the music he played for me will forever hold a special place in my heart. My prayers are with you always.

I did not know Bill very well, but I do remember his smile and that image will stick with me forever.



My thoughts and prayers are with the Clarey family now and always.



Cassi

Where does one begin? I have so many wonderful memories that seem to be over-shadowed by sadness and many unanswered questions. Bill, you gave an endless supply of enthusiasm and spirit to the world around you; I think everyone knew you lived with some pain but you always showed the world a smile. At your funeral, you were forgiven; I do not feel that this is appropriate. Rather, I feel you deserve a heartfelt thank you and a celebration. I don't believe you know just how many lives you influenced, mine included. If anyone should be forgiven, it's those of us who assumed that your smile meant you didn't want or need that "million buck feeling" you gave to everyone around you.



To the Clarey Family: I am greatly sorry for the life that is missing and as equally thankful to you for being the reason Bill was not only a part of, but the creator of so many memories.

He was my mate...and I was his dude. I will miss him as long as I breathe.I am sure that radiant smile will greet me in heaven with the usual cold beer and a slice of pizza.



God love you mate.



Michael

Billy, my best friend and soul mate, my life is forever changed because of you. Your smile, your laughter and your love will never be forgotten. You will always have a place in my heart and I will carry you with me forever. I miss you B. Aunt Peggy, Uncle Bill, Ryan, Danny and Kevin-you are in my prayers, I love you all so much and will always stay close.

With a heavy heart I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the Clarey family.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Bill and Peggy

Our heart felt sympathies go out to you

Love Fern and Dick

To the Clarey Family,

I would like to thank you for the gift of Bill in my life. I can honestly say that I am a changed person because of him. Bill lovingly guided me through my first two years of high school and was the best friend I could have wished for. I learned so many things from him and he will continue to serve as the light of my life in the memories of everything that we laughed over, cried over, and the countless lessons he taught me. In closing, Clarey family, I am so very sorry for your loss, but I would like to thank you, again, for sharing your son and brother with me, if even for too brief a time.

I do not have words to describe what it means to know Billy. He made you feel as though you were the most special person on earth and to say he was a friend is worth everything. He touched people with simple acts of love and never questioned whenever you called on him for his unique brand of friendship. He was a beautiful soul and to have known him and his wonderful family is the most special gift I could ever receive. Billy you are my angel and I love you and miss you everyday.

Billy-I will forever keep you in my heart. I will miss your beautiful smile and laughter. You have touched so many lives in ways you’ll never know. Meghan and Clarey Family- I would ask you to keep this in mind as you struggle through this hard time “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breaths away.”

Bill always inspired me with everything he did, acting and just his all around attitute, if someone met Bill they would never forget him. He always had just a glow to him because of his smile. He will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to everyone who Bill touched in one way or another and especially his wonderful family. We all loved you Bill!

I didn't know Bill very well; he was a sophomore at St Mary's when I was a freshman, and although we never really exchanged many words, I could tell the calibur of person he was. It is such a tragedy to have someone like Bill leave us, but he is for sure in God's hands now, and I'm glad he had the chance to touch the many people he did in his short life. I hope the Clarey family finds solstice in knowing their son was such an amazing person, and that God will surely be there for them.

There are no words to express my feelings of loss for such a beautiful soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Billy was my best friend at NYU. Especially for the first two years. He was my next door neighbor freshmen year and we just hit it off. I was never sad around Billy. We did silly things like memorize pop songs together and put on imaginary plays. Billy was kind enough to stay with me in my studio apartment many times when I needed a friend, and we stayed up late just making eachother lose our breath with laughter. When my mother met Billy, she said he was the kindest, most sincere person she had ever met and she could see how he was such a true friend of mine. I don't have many friends, and I didn't see as much of Billy once I got married. But he was the first one to meet my then future husband, and my husband was astounded by his winning personality, amazing sense of humor, and especially his selflessness. Billy, I love you more than anyone could love a friend. I feel so lucky to have known you and am so glad for all the wonderful moments we've shared. I will miss you beyond belief. To Billy's family, I can't tell you how sorry I am for your loss. He was really a diamond in a haystack and his memory will never die. Oh sweet Billy, please find peace in your new home. I know you will.

I am shocked, stupefied, bewildered, dazed and numb. Somehow I must trust that there are shreds of meaning but they now lie too deep for words, thoughts or imagination.



"I can find words but not sentences they could fit."



Class...sitting in the back of the room by the red brick wall...a great laugh...passion personified...a joy in reading... style...the spititual longings of knowledge discovered...rest quiet soul...Spirit free...Remembered.



Such as they are, my devoted prayers are for the family, his classmates, friends and all who knew and loved Bill.



I can still hear his voice in my ears as I write....

There is nothing that I can say about Bill that everyone hasn't already said. He was always cheerful and had much grace. He would brighten the room with his smile and melt away your worries with just a hug. I will miss him very much and it was my pleasure to have met such an angel. My prayers go out to his family and friends. We all love you Bill!

I pray that God and all the angels and saints will cradle your family and may Billy have splendid peace in eternal life.

What a profound loss. We are so sorry that such a special person was taken from us much too soon. It is difficult to find the words to express our sorrow. Billy was a part of our family for over a year. He was a mentor for our son Zachary. He will always have a special place in our hearts - his warmth, his smile, his compassion. Our sympathies to his family and all who were fortunate enough to have whatever time they had with him. Peace.

Billy made me laugh harder than anyone I've ever known. Rarely do I meet people with such capacity for generosity, kindness, and empathy. He brightened my life every day that I knew him, and for that I will be forever grateful. The Clarey family has my deepest sympathies. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I miss you Billy.

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Billy was an amazing person. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time. Love to all.

I didnt know him very well but it is very unfortunate to lose someone so young, I wish the best for his family and friends and I hope he is in a better place now.

All my love and prayers are with the Clarey family. Bill was witty and radiant and wise and gracious and kind... so much of me would be different if I’d never been blessed with his friendship. He taught me so much, and even saved my life in more ways than I can describe. I love and miss you every day, charming Billy.

Billy, i will miss you always the way you made me laugh, the way you made me feel like your brother, and the way you always made everyone around you feel wonderful. Clarey Family, Rhiannon and I have you all in our prayers, in our hearts, and in our minds. GOD will help you.

Billy- As I was sitting here writing my condolences, a song came on in itunes on my computer. I've never heard it before, I dont know the singer or even what it is called but the basic words are "You will be there in my heart, that is all that I can do, I'll remember you." My prayers are with you and your wonderful family,especially our meghan that I know you loved dearly. We love you Billy, and we will miss you and your unforgettable smile and ways.

Billy was one of the most sincere, loving and talented people I know. Though I hadn't spoken to him in a few years, I carry so many wonderful memories with me. Billy had a way of always making me laugh and I absolutely treasure the times I spent over at the Clarey household in high school. My prayers are with everyone. This is such a shocking loss and Billy was someone who left such an amazing imprint on all of our lives.

With deepest sympathy. Billy presence will never be forgotten

I am very sorry for the loss of such a wonderful young man. My prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time.

To the Clarey Family and Friends of the Family,

There's no way we can comprehend your recent tragedy and we know it's left you searching for answers that might be difficult to find. Please know that in your darkest hour, your pain touches all of us and we mourn the loss as if it were our own. We feel fortunate to have known Billy. With heartfelt thoughts, Paul Bowden and Ryan McNally

Dear Billy and all the Clarey family,

I have so much to say yet no idea where to begin, other than to let you know I feel like I've lost a piece of myself. Billy, you were more than just a friend, you were a soulmate. Your spirit, smile, and fabulousness will always remain. To the family, know you are in my thoughts and prayers; I will be at St. Bernadette's here in NYC - I wish I could be there with you. All my love to you and especially to you, Billy.

Bill, I love you. You and your family are in my heart and in my prayers. Thank you for the kindness and warmth. You will forever be remembered. Thank you for our friendship.

It is a sad day when such a wonderful person leaves us too soon. Bill will be missed. He was a unique person with big dreams and an even bigger heart. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Who didn't love Billy? He was so special and brilliant. He was radiant, warm-hearted, and deeply caring. Bill leaves behind a life so vibrant that it will never fade. I will always carry him in my heart, and I'll never forget his remarkable smile. Billy and the dear Clarey family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.

"May holy Mary, the angels, and all the saints come to meet you

as you go forth from this life.

May Christ, who was crucified for you, bring you freedom and peace."

Bill was a wonderful person, and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.



My thoughts and prayers are with the Clarey family.

Bill left an impression with everyone he met, he will be missed.



Kindest Regards,

I loved Bill dearly. I recently got to spend time with him that I will never forget. He was such a kind spirit and will be missed be many. My heart goes out to your family. God Bless

Billy- I will always carry you with me in my heart. I'll miss that beautiful smile of yours. Your wonderful family is in my prayers today and always. I'll take care of Meg for you! I love you from your head to your toes!

I am so very sorry for your loss, Billy was a very loving and amazing person and he is already very missed. Your loving family is in my thoughts and prayers every moment of the day.

God Bless,

Letina Matheny

The world has lost a beautiful heart and a wonderful person. Bill was as genuine a person could be and I feel incredibly blessed and fortunate to have had a chance to know such an amazing friend. My heart goes out to his family and all those who loved him and are feeling the pain of his loss.

~May the Lord God hold and comfort my friend Bill~

I'll never forget Billy's sweet smile and warm spirit as he came to my office at Corpus Christi School. He'll be with us forever.

Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. You all remain in my thoughts and prayers.

I am so sorry for your loss, Billy will be missed. Your entire family is in out prayers.

Billy and Clarey Family,



Our thoughts and prayers are with you.



Love,

The Fattey Family