More detail on this person: Joseph Clasby, Sr., "Clas", died on September 16, 2013 after a long
valiant battle with cancer at the age of 75. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Gay
Landrigan Clasby; his three children, Jenny McClennan of Arlington, Virginia, Sue Clasby of McLean,
Virginia, John Clasby Jr. of Louisville, Colorado, and their spouses, William McClennan, Ed Buzzi,
and Suzy Tegen. He was known as "Papa" to his seven grandchildren: William, Abigail, and James
McClennan; Landrigan and Veronica Buzzi; and Amelia and Kate Clasby. He was born to Irene and
Edward Clasby and his siblings were David Clasby (deceased), Ann Toomey, Arthur Clasby, Dorothy
Demeke, Joan Alcala (deceased), Irene Clasby and Helen Clasby. Clas graduated from Lowell Institute
at MIT in Boston, Massachusetts. He was a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, a pilot in the Vietnam
War, and received the Distinguished Flying Cross. The actual helicopter he flew is displayed at the
Air & Space Museum near Dulles Airport, where he is listed on the Wall of Honor. He was an airline
pilot for 30 years retiring as a Captain with U.S. Airways. He played softball, basketball, and
participated in the Senior Olympics. Clas spent many wonderful summers at the beach in Matunuck,
Rhode Island. He lived in Milton, Massachusetts; Avon, Massachusetts; McLean, Virginia; and most
recently in Gainesville, Virginia. Clas will be remembered for his generosity of time and spirit,
wonderful sense of humor, love of God and country, and lifelong devotion to family. Calling hours
will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, September 23 at the Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd,
Arlington, Virginia. A Mass to celebrate his life will be held Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Agnes
Catholic Church,1910 N. Randolph St, Arlington, Virginia. Clas regularly donated blood and platelets
to the American Red Cross and he would be honored by contributions in his name.
Published in The Washington Post from September 21 to September 22, 2013
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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