Anthony "Tony" Clement

COLONIE – Anthony "Tony" Ikeobi Clement, 47, of Colonie, passed away on Thursday May 17, 2012 at St. Peter's Hospital after a brief illness. He was born in Sokoto State, Nigeria and is the son of the late Clement Chukwukele and Anna Emegbolu Ikeobi.

Tony earned a bachelor's degree from Clark Atlanta University in 1988 where he also played basketball. He played professional basketball in Finland and Belgium from 1988-1990. He earned a master's degree in educational psychology as well as a master's degree in educational administration from the College of St. Rose. At the time of his death he was working on his doctoral degree in educational leadership at The Sage Colleges.

Tony began his career with the Albany City School District as a physical education teacher at Harriet Gibbons School in 1994. He later served as assistant principal of Arbor Hill Elementary Community School, house principal of Albany High School Ninth Grade Academy and principal of Harriet Gibbons High School. At the time of his death, Tony was principal of Phillip Schuyler Achievement Academy in the Albany City School District. He was proud to serve as head coach for freshman basketball and assistant coach for varsity basketball at Albany High School from 1994-1998. Tony was involved in many associations and organizations, specifically he maintained a devoted commitment to the Association of Nigerians in the Capital District.

Tony is survived by his wife Jennifer Clement and children David C. Clement, Anthony C. Clement, Lauren N. McNamara-Clement and Shareen A. Clement. He is also survived by his sisters Victoria Etionwu, Patricia (Joseph) Nweke, Lilian (George) Chinweze, brothers Pius (Charity, Chinyere) Clement Ikeobi, Emmanuel (Ndidi) Clement Ikeobi, Joseph (Ebere) Clement Ikeobi, cousin Ujunwa Aginah, Uncles Chief Gabriel Akunna Ikeobi and Chief Ezennia Emeka Udegbunam, all of Nigeria. He also leaves behind his parents in-law David and Katherine Skelly, brothers and sisters in-laws Michael (Jackie) Skelly, Jon (Paula) Skelly, and Suzanne (Dennis) Colligan. He leaves many nieces and nephews both in Nigeria and the United States.

Calling hours will be Tuesday from 2 to 6 pm at Christ the King Church, 20 Sumter Avenue, Guilderland. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 6 pm at Christ the King Church. Interment will be Wednesday at 11 am at Memory Gardens, 983 Watervliet Shaker Road, Colonie.

In keeping with Tony's dedication to the youth of his community, memorial contributions can be made to the Tony Clement Education Fund c/o Boys and Girls Club of Albany, New York, 21 Delaware Avenue, Albany, NY 12210.