CLARENCE CHARLES SUYDAM, aged 92, of Nanuet, NY, passed away on Monday, May 29, 2017 at Nyack Hospital. Born on March 7, 1925 in Englewood, NJ, he moved to Piermont, NY in 1939. He attended Tappan Zee High School and resumed study at Long Island University on the GI Bill.

Clarence was a Navy veteran stationed in Pearl Harbor from 1943-44. He once sat out two days in the barracks because the Navy had no shoes to fit him.

Clarence's first job was at age 11 as a Caddy at Aldercress Country Club in Demarest, NJ. His love of golfing continued over the years. Other interests included fishing, model aircraft building, photography, "Jumble," and local history. He often spoke of his first grade teacher (and principal) who was the sister­ in-law of Clarence Birdseye (Birdseye Frozen Foods).

Clarence was a member of Local 279, United Brotherhood of carpenters and Joiners of America, from 1955 to 1990 when he retired. He spoke with pride about having worked on the original Tappan Zee Bridge, the Bear Mountain and Newburgh-Beacon Bridges, Blue Hill, Nyack High School, Rockland Community College, and numerous housing developments.

Clarence was predeceased by his parents (Lillian Sims and Clarence), six siblings (Mary Jackson, Eleanor Walker, Peter Suydam, Betty Wilson, Willis Suydam, and Margaretta Webb), and a twin son (Gerald). His wife of 58 years, Martina, passed away in 2010. Survivors include sons (Bernard and Richard), nieces, nephews, cousins, a sister-in-law, and special friend {Cora) and her family.

Clarence was a man of great kindness, faith and integrity. He joined St. Charles AME Zion Church in 2011 on his 85th birthday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to St. Charles.

A Celebration of Clarence’s life will be held on July 8, 2017 from 11 AM until 1PM at the Hannemann Funeral Home, Inc. in Nyack.