Donald Clarey

Donald “Don” Alexander Clarey, 74, passed away on Thursday, October 4th at his residence in Menands. 

Born February 8, 1950 in Endwell, New York, he was the son of the late James Roger and Dorothy (Wait) Clarey. 

Don was a proud graduate of Maine Endwell High School, Union College, and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. 

Don had a great passion and skill for politics which he grew throughout his prolific career as an accomplished governmental and political figure. 

He began his government career by joining the staff of Congressman Howard Robison (R-NY) and then went to the Office of Congressional Affairs of the Federal Energy Administration. He also spent several years in the New York State Senate, much of it as administrative assistant to the Senate Majority Leader. Notably, he was also a Republican\Conservative candidate for the New York State Assembly. 

In 1983, Don received an appointment by President Ronald Reagan to be Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Cabinet Affairs. After the White House, Don became Deputy Director of the Small Business Administration. 

Don then returned to New York where he served in the administration of Governor George Pataki and as the Albany County Republican Chairman. 

After decades of service and accomplishments, Don retired in 2008, but remained active through political consulting and his love of presidential history. 

Don is survived by his son Alexander Clarey, daughter-in-law Elizabeth, and granddaughter Ada of Saratoga County; sisters Patricia and Sandra Clarey as well as his brother Robert (Katherine) Clarey, all of California. Don is also survived by his dear friend and former spouse Wendy Allen of Loudonville. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Nantucket, a favorite of Don’s, at a later date for close family.