Obituary of Daren T. Clancy

Daren T. Clancy, 46, of Lake Hopatcong, NJ passed away at Morristown Medical Center on Friday, May 22, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family. Born on October 11, 1979, in Verona, NJ Daren lived a life rooted in adventure, connection, music, and unwavering devotion to the people he loved most.

Daren was the beloved husband of Kelly Clancy and a proud and devoted father to Ryan Clancy, who was the center of his world. He was the cherished son of Ted Clancy and Nancy Deatz Clancy. Family meant everything to Daren, and he built his life around creating meaningful memories with those closest to him.

A self-employed personal trainer and property manager, Daren had a natural gift for helping others every step of the way. Whether offering encouragement, lending a hand with a project, or simply showing up when someone needed him, he made people feel supported and cared for.

Daren truly loved the outdoors and found joy in exploring the world with his family. Some of his favorite places were Acadia National Park and the White Mountains, destinations he returned to year after year so he could deeply experience and appreciate them. He loved hiking, camping, geocaching, exploring caves, and embracing every new adventure that came his way.

He especially loved spending time with Ryan — whether watching him play sports, especially lacrosse, tossing a ball around, tubing on the lake, swimming together, or simply sharing everyday moments. Summers on the boat, cruising around Lake Hopatcong chasing sunsets, were among his happiest times.

Daren also had a deep passion for music. In his younger years, he played saxophone and sang, and music remained a constant throughout his life. Live performances, favorite artists, and a house always filled with music brought him joy. He also enjoyed discovering breweries and wineries with family and friends, savoring a good beer or a nice glass of wine wherever life took him.

A talented builder and problem solver, Daren loved a good project and took pride in creating spaces that brought people together. From crafting a welcoming basement gathering space to building a beautiful backyard retreat complete with regular firepit hangs, he created countless moments of warmth, laughter, and connection.

Daren will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his generosity, his creativity, and the deep love he gave so freely to family and friends. His presence made people feel at home, and his memory will continue to live on in every song, every sunset, every adventure, and every gathering of loved ones.

Daren's Life Celebration will include visiting hours on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 from 4:00-8:00 PM at Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, 150 Landing Road, Landing, NJ. A Family Tribute to Daren's remarkable life will be offered Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM at the funeral home. In a show of support and to honor Daren's passions, the family encourages those attending Daren's Life Celebration to wear their favorite outdoor apparel, local school sports attire, or concert and music-inspired clothing — a reflection of the adventurous, spirited, and music-filled life he loved so much. A Family lead Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday May 27th from 3-6pm at The Czig Meister Brewery in Hackettstown, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Daren's memory to Appalachian Mountain Club at www.outdoors.org.