remembering
Papa John Clancy
John Clancy
June 23, 1935 - October 17, 2023
We come to you with the heaviest hearts. Our beloved Papa John passed away this week at the age of 88.
What a man. What a life.
If you ever passed through the doorway of Foley's, there's a decent chance that you would have met him. He often served as a host in the early days of Foleys, and in the later years, he held court at his corner table at the end of the bar. There, he would regale the denizens of 33rd street with stories, opinions and ideas. Some of those ideas were implemented at Foley's, and some, much to John's chagrin, were not, (that didn't stop him from repeating the suggestion.)
John, like Shaun, spent his entire career in the hospitality business, owning the award winning Derragarra Inn back home in Ireland. When he came to New York, eventually landing at the legendary Toots Shor’s, which attracted celebrities, politicians, law officials, mobsters and average folks. “Toots Shor’s was a place where everyone felt at home. And that's exactly what we were aiming for at Foley's.
John had Toots as a mentor. Shaun had John, and the patrons of Foley's are all the better for it. While Toots Shor's had their "crum-bums" (IYKYK), Foley's had the "Friends of Foley's". Both monikers were cherished by those that they were bestowed upon.
John fiercely loved Ireland, Cavan, NYC and Foley's, but number one in his heart was always his family. With that in mind, please keep the Clancy Clan in your hearts as they navigate this world without him. Your love, thoughts, prayers and stories will go a long way in filling the void created by his loss.
If you are lucky enough to have known Papa John, you are lucky enough. indeed. May he rest in peace.
