07/29/2026
Francis M. "Milt" Claney Jr. Obituary
Francis Milton “Milt” Claney, Jr., 84, of Greensburg, PA passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, July 26, 2026. He was born on March 26, 1942, in Pittsburgh, PA to Francis Milton Claney, Sr. and Mary (Harwick) Claney. Milt graduated from Hempfield Area High School in 1960. He went on to receive his B.S. in Health, Phys Ed, and Recreation in 1965 from Slippery Rock University where he was a member of the varsity soccer team. He also received a B.S. in Special Education and Masters of Education in Special Education from Indiana University of PA.
In 1965, Milt married the one and only love of his life, Jackie with whom he had two children, Jeff and Tricia.
Milt was employed by the Westmoreland County Intermediate Unit for 34 years where he served in the roles of Adaptive Physical Education Teacher/Director and Aquatic Director. He also was an instructor of special education courses for Penn State University. In 1969, Milt founded the Special Olympics in Westmoreland County introducing this program in the area for the first time. Milt’s role in leading the Westmoreland County Special Olympics impacted countless special needs children, adults, and their families for 34 years. His heart and passion for teaching ALL children, despite their physical or mental challenges served as an example for many. Milt received many recognitions for his passion throughout this time including multiple Teacher of the Year and Volunteer of the Year awards. He was also the Recreation Director for the borough of Southwest Greensburg between 1969 and 1975.
Milt had an immense love for the outdoors and passed on his passion of fishing, hunting, and gardening, as well as his affinity for history, traveling, and exploring, to his children and grandchildren. He and Jackie loved traveling together, especially camping, and had the opportunity to visit 50 National Parks, some multiple times, and all 50 states.
Milt was a member of the Forbes Trail Chapter of Trout Unlimited for 27 years, but he was more than just a member. He was a mentor, an accomplished fly tier, and a passionate conservationist who willingly shared his knowledge and love of fly fishing with others. Whether demonstrating fly tying techniques, offering advice to a new angler, or lending a hand at chapter events, Milt’s quiet generosity and enthusiasm left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Milt is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Jacqueline (Updegraff), son Jeffrey (Joyce), daughter Tricia Parker (Joe), sister Florence Marx (John), 6 grandchildren, Matthew (April) Claney, Christopher (Gabby) Claney, Megan (Nick) Cornell, Eric (Alyssa) Claney, Michael (Megan) Parker, and Emily (Aaron) Krunszyinsky, 10 great grandchildren, Blair, Piper, Beau, Marley, Bryson, Wes, Nolan, Finn, Graham, and Natalie, with #11 on the way, as well as many nieces and nephews.
His grandchildren were very precious to him, and he took so much pride in supporting them in everything they set out to do. He and Jackie could always be seen at their sporting events, ballet performances, band concerts, musicals, and many other activities, cheering them on with enthusiasm. In his most recent years, he showed his grandchildren how to lead their own families with love, dedication, and strong faith. Family was Milt’s – Grandpap’s – number one priority! His “magical” traditions will live on through the family forever.
Friends and family will be welcomed at Charter Oak Church, 449 Frye Farm Road, Greensburg, PA, 15601, on Sunday, August 9, from 2:00 pm until 3:30 pm with a Celebration of Life Service to immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Milt can be made to the Special Olympics at www.support.specialolympics.org.