Clement “Clem” Conklin Sr.

Otisville, NY

Dade City, FL

Clement “Clem” Conklin Sr., age 92, of Otisville, New York, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025, in Dade City, Florida. Born on March 31, 1933, in Port Jervis, New York, Clem was the son of the late Herman and Rose Graham Conklin. The youngest of five brothers, he was predeceased by his siblings Herman, Alfred, Charles, and Robert Conklin.

On August 12, 1951, Clem married his soulmate and the love of his life, Irene Matthews Conklin, with whom he shared 56 wonderful years before her passing on December 1, 2007. Together, they created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love, a place where cherished memories were made, celebrations were shared, and the simple joys of life were treasured. The life they built together reflected the values they instilled and the deep love they poured into their family. 

Clem was a hardworking man, spending 45 years with Rupp Southern Tier Trucking Company, and also contributing his talents to Thompson’s Trucking and Maples Farm. He approached his work with the same dedication, honesty, and integrity that marked every part of his life. 

Clem radiated happiness and had an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel valued and cared for, a true friend to all who met him. He loved music and dancing, sunshine and good food, and most of all, his family. Known for his optimism, grit, compassion, generosity, and gentle spirit, he carried himself with quiet courage, humility, unwavering positivity, and a deep appreciation for life. He loved God and country deeply, embodying modesty and decency with a profound sense of gratitude. 

Clem spent his time between his homes in New York and Florida, enjoying the warm weather in each, summers up North, and winters in the Sunshine State. He prided himself on staying active, and well into his late 80s, he rode his bike 20 miles a day, a true testament to his boundless energy, vitality, and zest for life. 

Clem is survived by his four beloved children: three sons, Jeff Conklin and his wife Margie, Michael Conklin and his wife Sue, Clement Conklin Jr., and his daughter, Sheerie Conklin. He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren: Jeffrey Conklin and his wife Susie, Jennifer Conklin and her partner Bo, Edward Conklin and his wife Devon, Uriah Conklin, Ava Conklin, Kenneth Conklin and his wife Andrea, Joshua Conklin and his partner Kristen, Jillian McCarthy and her husband Michael, and Nicholas Benedetto and his partner Catherine. He was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren, whom he absolutely adored: Brayden, Jace, Sebastian, Chloe, Charleigh, Rory, and Ryann.  Clem is also survived by his devoted partner of 17 years, Lois Zellefrow, with whom he shared a life of companionship, fulfillment, and love. He is further survived by several nieces and nephews, as well as other family and friends who loved him dearly. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday October 21, 2025 from 6-9pm at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. 1525 Burlingham Rd. Pine Bush NY. Funeral services will take place on Wednesday October 22, 2025 at 10am at the funeral home. After the service, Clem will be eternally placed to rest next to the love of his life, Irene, at Mt. Hope Plains Cemetery in Otisville, NY. Arrangements entrusted to the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc.