John Joseph Clasby Sr.

John Joseph Clasby, Sr., “Clas”, died on September 16th 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 Monday, September 23rd at the Murphy Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 pm (4510 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, Virginia). A Mass to celebrate his life will be held Tuesday at 10:30 am 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.