Garland Andrew McClam transitioned peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, January 11, after a long illness. He was 64.
Born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, Garland, or Andy, as he was affectionately referred to by family and friends, was the son of Garland McClam and Mattie Ruth (McClam) Lemont.
He attended Hillhouse High School, where he played football for the Hillhouse Academics, and as the first member of his immediate family to attend college, studied business at the University of Connecticut. Andy was a retiree of Yale University Dining Halls, where he served as a chef, among several other positions over his 25-year tenure. Andy grew up in the West Hills neighborhood, where he honed the craft of music. His preferred instruments were bass and lead guitar, along with piano. He also became an accomplished composer, and created his own home recording studio, where he produced several of his compositions. He played with local bands, most notably “The Positive Choice Band,” with members that became lifelong friends.
Andy was a member of Varick Memorial AME Zion Church for most of his life. He was always proud of the fact that while a member at Varick in his youth, he had read the Bible from cover to cover. More recently, he was a faithful attendee and bass player at Miracle Temple UAME Church until his health declined.
Andy was predeceased by his parents as well as two brothers, Michael Matthew McClam and Theodore David McClam.
Andy is survived by two sisters, Aleta McClam Staton and Laura (Stewart) McClam-Williams, daughter Tia (James) Brockington, son Mario Pina, niece Jade Staton, grandchildren Monasia Pina, Tamyra and Shaymell Stanley, Marli Johnson and Londyn Beaux Brockington, and great-grandson Shaymell Stanley, Jr., in addition to a host of beloved friends and associates.
A celebration of his life will take place Friday, January 17, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Dixwell Avenue Congregational United Church of Christ, 217 Dixwell Ave, New Haven, CT 06511. Friends may call Friday at the church from 10:00 – 11:0 AM. Interment will be at Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06511. To leave a message of comfort for the McClam family, please visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com