Robert Emmet Clancey, 79, of Lakeland, FL

Born on Jan 30, 1947 to Elizabeth Shortall and John J Clancey of Staten Island. He attended Curtis High School and served in Vietnam in 1966/67 with the 199th Light Infantry Division as a Radio Operator where he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge.

Rob graduated from New Mexico State and earned a Masters (MED) from Springfield College. His career in the Sporting Goods industry spanned 25 years and included extensive world travel sourcing and marketing popular brands. Rob was President of Fred Perry Sportswear, VP of Le Coq Sportif (Adidas) and President/CEO of Benetton Sports System. (Prince, tennis and Nordica, ski.) Rob was hailed as creative, great with numbers and a true sales pro in spite of real challenges in reading and spelling.

He credited the state college system with giving him focus and confidence. Rob started a second career in continuing education working with corporate employees from Boeing and Microsoft and mentored working students in Seattle and Beijing. Rob worked for 14 years as Director of Polk State Corporate college and used his sales skills to build community support for the creation of the PSC Corporate campus in Bartow, Fl

Rob was an avid golfer with many friends at Eaglebrooke, all of whom will appreciate the open bar. He was enthusiastic and engaging, enjoyed entertaining, grilling and different cuisines. He was fit and disciplined, and healthy for 78 of his 79 years.

Rob is survived by his wife, Joy, his son Jeff Clancey (Chrissy), and daughter, Alissa (Mark Phelps). He has 4 grandchildren: Quinn and Mac Clancey, Owen and Laney Phelps.

A Celebration of Life is to be held at Gentry Morrison south side on Bartow Road at 10am on June 20, 2026.