Clayton Edward Simons, Sr.

Clayton Edward Simons Sr. entered into eternal life on March 17, 2018. Clay was an inspiration to all who knew him. Born in Wells NY on March 14,1936, he was raised in Rensselaer NY, where he met his future wife Gladys Mae Irish. They married in 1954, when Clay also joined the United States Air Force. In a tragic accident in 1961, Clay lost his eyesight. After completing 2 years of training at Hines VA Hospital, Clay returned to Albany where he and Gladys raised their children.

Clay is survived by his wife of 63 years Gladys, and three children: Bonnie Morrell (Donald), Patricia Lane (Robert), and Clayton Simons Jr (Lisa). His oldest daughter Kathy tragically predeceased him in 1976. Clay is survived by 9 grandchildren; Tina, Donny, Lori, Sydney, Harrison, Veronica, Olivia, Dylan, Katlyn and Nicholas and 5 great grandchildren; Wyatt, Kai, Harper, Damien and Elijah. He is also survived by 4 siblings Nancy Smith, Nicholas Simons, Steven Simons and Deborah Wescott and predeceased by 4 siblings, Joyce, Jennie, Walter (Junior) and Sandra.

With assistance and training from the NYS Commission for the Blind, Clay owned and operated Clay's Gifts at the NYS Harriman Campus for over 20 years. In 1972 he formed the NYS Association of Certified Blind Vendors. While operating that business, Clay trained other blind individuals to work in retail stores throughout the state. In 1979, he was named President and General Manager of Industries for the Blind of NYS, a position he held until his retirement in 1990. In 1975 the Blind Veterans Association bestowed upon Clay their highest honor, the Meritorious Service Award.

Clay faithfully served in a number of Masonic Organizations throughout his life; including: Wadsworth Lodge No. 417, Daytona Beach Lodge No. 270 (2000), Needa Bah Triangle, Eastern Star, Scottish Rite, Cyprus Shrine and Zangi Grotto. Clay served as Grand Monarch for the Supreme Council Grottoes of North America (2005); 33rd Degree (1983); Master of Wadsworth Lodge 417 (1974); Master of Daytona Beach Lodge 270. Monarch Zangi Grotto (1996).

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Clay's family on Saturday March 24, 2018, 10am-12pm, immediately followed at noon with services at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens, Colonie NY.

In lieu of flowers and at the request of the family contributions can be made in memory of Clayton E. Simons, Sr. to Masonic Medical Research Lab https://www.mmrl.edu/ways-to-give/