Clyde Clare Fox, 90 of Orlando, FL passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026, after a long illness.
Clare was born in Oxford, NJ at the family home on September 6, 1935. He was the son of Carrie Wildrick and Arthur Clyde Fox.
Although blind since birth, Clare became an extraordinary musician, teacher and vocalist, playing some 16 instruments and singing in many languages. Clare was a fixture at many New Jersey churches, restaurants, nursing homes and other establishments over the years. An animal lover, Clare usually had a guide dog from the Seeing Eye of Morristown along with him on his lifelong musical journey.
He was a piano tuner by trade, having been educated at the New York School for the Education of the Blind on Pelham Parkway in Bronx, NY.
He was also a member in good standing of the Masonic Lodge #36 in Washington, NJ, as a mason for 65 years holding the position of “Lodge Organist.” His involvement in civic organizations included Kiwanis and Lions.
Clare and Karen had previously made their home in Hackettstown, NJ for some 20 years before moving to Florida in 2019 with Karen’s son’s family, Matt Rainey and Michelle Segall Rainey along with grandchildren. Most recently they were regular attendees of the Lock Haven Baptist Church under the direction of Pastor Lane Stockton.
Clare is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Karen, along with his sisters, Carolyn Albanese, Bonnie Bastedo, Jackie Lindaberry and Jill Ostenski. Clare was predeceased by his mom and dad, sister Cora Featherman and brother, William Fox. Clare was also a father and is survived by daughter Sharon Holmes. Clare was also fortunate to have had many nieces and nephews and stepchild Kristen Winslet in his life.
Service and burial will be at Hillside Cemetery, Jonestown Road, Oxford NJ on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Seeing Eye of Morristown, through their website, seeingeye.org or Lock Haven Baptist Church 14246 Boggy Creek Road, Orlando FL 32824.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown NJ 07840. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.cochranfuneral.com/
4 Condolences for Fox, Clyde Clare
Condolences(4)
Linda Douglas Olinger says
April 13, 2026 at 12:44 amDear Karen
I visited your home last year with my sister-in-law Wendy Albanese Douglas. You and Claire were so gracious in greeting me.
It was an enjoyable afternoon of lunch and beautiful music. So although only one meeting I remember Claire fondly.
Sending my deepest sympathy and prayers to you.
Linda Douglas Olinger
Gene leddy says
April 16, 2026 at 6:53 pmI will never hear the song smoke gets in your eyes without lovingly thinking of clare and memories of the mountain lake casino. Between clare and Bill winters they kept me confused for years. Clare will always be remembered as a mt lake legend. RiP
Ginny Hopkins says
April 17, 2026 at 10:29 pmMy condolences to the family, I’ve known Clair all my life as a little girl to a woman, his music was outstanding I’ve enjoyed going to Montain lake to listen to him,RIP my friend fly high
Elizabeth Burkat says
April 18, 2026 at 2:28 amIn 1991, I lost my 13-year-old son Jeffrey. At the request of Reverend Vicki Brendler of the Methodist Church in Belvidere, Mr. Fox false Middl so graciously attended his funeral and sang” How Great Thou Art” accompanied on the piano. To this day, whenever I hear that song, I think about the love that came through in his music. In my grief, I don’t know if I ever had a chance to personally thank him. But I want you to know how much that meant to me and my husband. Please accept my sincere condolences at the loss of this wonderful person.
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