Northborough – “Speed” Harry Clemmer Jr., a longtime resident of Northborough, died Friday, Feb. 7, 2014 after a short, but increasingly difficult battle with cancer. He died in his sleep at his Hillside Road home with his wife Enie by his side.
Clemmer was born July 31, 1932 in Lexington, the son of Harry and Ethel (Caughey) Clemmer. The family later relocated to Berlin. Following high school, he enlisted in the Air Force. He married Inez Andrade in 1953, and Clemmer was stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict, where the couple gave birth to their two daughters, Marybeth in 1954 and Susan the following year.
After his military service, Clemmer settled in Northborough with his family and began a long and successful career as a mason. His dry stone walls and brickwork enliven the front and back yards of dozens of properties in central Massachusetts, and serve as a lasting legacy of his skill and hard work.
Known as “Speed” to family, friends and associates, he earned the nickname as a standout athlete at Hudson High School, primarily as a baseball player. An infielder and pitcher, he pitched the Hawks to a 6-0 win over Scituate to claim the baseball Class B State Championship in Boston's Fenway Park in June 1951. That spring, he tied a schoolboy record for most playoff strikeouts. He was scouted by several major league baseball teams during his senior season. He was inducted into the Hudson High School Hall of Fame after he graduated.
In later years, he played bass guitar in various clubs around the area with his brother Bill, a renowned musician. His love of music was legendary.
In October 2013, Speed and Enie celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, receiving, among many gifts, a letter of congratulations from the White House.
Clemmer leaves his wife Inez (Andrade); two brothers, John Clemmer of Boxboro and Bob Clemmer of Florida; his two daughters, Marybeth and Manuel Rego of Clinton, and Susan and Steve Jusseaume of Hampton, N.H.; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are Monday, Feb. 10, from 5 – 8 p.m., at the Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough. The funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 10 a.m., at St. Bernadette's Church, 266 Main St., Northborough. Burial will follow in Howard Street Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, friends are urged to make a donation in Clemmer's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 313 Washington St., Newton, MA 02458, or to a charity of their choice.
For directions or to share a memory, please visit www.haysfuneralhome.com.
