Obituary - John Jay McNulty

“Jay” McNulty died peacefully on March 18, 2015 at Joanne’s Hospice in Bonita Springs, Florida. Born on May 23, 1939, Jay spent most of his life on Long Island. He earned his associate degree in Construction Technology from the State University of New York at Farmingdale in 1959. Shortly after graduation, he started his own construction firm, Clarendon Homes Inc. The start of his business was interrupted by a tour of duty in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Upon his discharge, he returned to his hometown area and opened his office in Port Jefferson, New York. For the next 45 years, his firm went on to build over 750 high-end custom homes, as well as apartments, condominiums and professional offices. In the early 1980’s, his firm was selected to build a major solar energy research project for the Electric Power Research Institute of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Clarendon Homes built five specially designed homes in Wading River, New York, while five homes were built in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The data collected proved very useful and is still used by utility companies today in the incentive programs they offer for the use of individual solar systems. Jay also built many extraordinary homes in the Hamptons, on the eastern end of Long Island, several of which were featured in national magazines.

Jay married his loving wife, Sheri, on April 13, 1968 and was the proud father of their three children Tracey Alta, of Seattle, WA, Gary McNulty, of Smithtown, NY and Heather Haynie (Harris), of Charlottesville, VA and grandfather of Wesley Jay Haynie. 

Jay was not only a talented and successful builder but also an engaged member of his community and an enthusiastic parent. He was very involved in his village government for over 20 years, serving on various boards. He was a member of numerous builders associations as well. If he was not the coach himself to his children’s sport teams, he could be spotted on the sideline cheering on the teams with pride. Jay enjoyed playing tennis with friends, downhill skiing, and could often be found “putzing” in the yard or riding his lawn mower. His energy and enthusiasm for his work and his family were infectious and he was an inspiration to his peers. He retired in 2005 after building his dream home on Long Island. Jay and Sheri bought their second/winter home in Bonita Springs in 2006 and enjoyed many outdoor activities together in the sun. In 2010 they sold their home in St. James, NY and spent their summers at Smith Mountain Lake in Penhook, VA, still wintering in Florida. Most recently, they sold their SML summer home and moved to Charlottesville, VA.

Jay is predeceased by his parents, Marjorie and Lester Francis McNulty (Greenlawn, NY) and his brothers, David and Donald McNulty. Jay lived a full life and will be missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Ft. Myers, FL 33908.

Online condolences may be offered at  HYPERLINK “http://www.shikanyfuneralhome.com” www.shikanyfuneralhome.com.