Life Story: John Clyde, 63; Former Mayor, Committed Environmentalist

John Clyde, 63, passed away on Jan. 24 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia.

John was born on Nov. 28, 1955, in Newnan, Ga., to the late John and Mary (Smith) Clyde. He was a lifelong resident of Somerset.

John was a hearing officer for New Jersey State Parole Board in Trenton. He was the Mayor of Franklin Township in 2001 and served as a Township Councilman for nearly two decades. He was also on the township’s Environmental Commission. John coached his children’s recreational soccer teams for many years.

In his final moments, he told the doctors and nurses to ensure his children knew he loved and was proud of them, and that he lived a good life. They — and so many who met him — loved him too, and their lives were better for having known him.

A two-time heart transplant recipient, John was honored to participate with Team Philadelphia in the Transplant Games. In his spare time, he enjoyed hiking and traveling. He climbed Mount Washington and traveled to places such as New Zealand, Scotland and Paris. He also loved the Green Bay Packers and New York Yankees.

John was predeceased by his sons, Thomas and John Clyde, and two beagles, Speckles and Snoopy.

He is survived by his daughter, Beth Ann Mayer and her husband, Peter; his son, Michael Clyde; his beagle Sarge; his granddog, Topanga and grandcat, Chester.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Jan. 28 at Gleason Funeral Home, 1360 Hamilton St.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Jan. 29 at St. Matthias Church in Somerset. Committal services will be private at the request of the family.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of John and his family, please consider donating to Donate Life America, www.donatelife.net, or registering as a donor.

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