John Van Clief III

John Van Clief III July 27, 1967 – October 23, 2023 John Van Clief III was born in Brooklyn to Dorothy and John Van Clief, Jr., on July 27, 1967. The family of three moved to Leonia when he was two years old. He attended Anna C. Scott Elementary School and Leonia Middle School, where he was a popular classmate. He was a member of the Cub Scouts and played Little League Baseball and Leonia Recreation Center Basketball among his many activities. John attended Leonia High School, where he was an engaged student and member of the basketball team all four years. He was a fixture on the basketball court in Wood Park—but once he learned to drive and got hold of the keys to a blue Chevy Chevette, new worlds opened for him and his friends. John was fun to be around because he was so friendly, constantly connecting people and making things happen. Upon graduating in the Class of 1985, he attended Syracuse University, where he earned a BS and BA degrees in finance and economics. During his time there, he added to his extended friend group and was a founding member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He furthered his academic pursuits with graduate studies in economics at New York University and Fordham Gabelli School of Business. In a distinguished career, John held many leadership posts with financial and investment firms, including Lehman Brothers, Lanyi Research, Legg Mason, Bear Stearns, Matrix Research and Felix Investments. He was also managing partner at Spaha Capital Management and Green Knolls Capital LLC/Ravensbridge Capital LTD. John married Beth Jarrett, who he met in Syracuse and would become the love of his life, in Nassau, Bahamas, on August, 14, 2004. The two settled in Manhattan for the duration of their time together where they had two sons, John IV (17; known as Jack), and Connor (15). John and Beth have been active members of the community, participating in school events, as well as coaching and cheering on the boys’ sports teams. Throughout his life, John’s affable nature and ease with people, as well as his bright smile and laugh, were social forces of nature that created a network of lasting friendships from every stage of his life. The parties he hosted with his wife Beth at the Hamptons and at their apartment for Christmas and club outings he led back in the day were legendary. Hitting the town with his posse or hanging out one-on-one made you feel you were in the place to be and left you feeling good. John was a big fan of a diverse range of music, from R&B, disco and soul, to rock and jazz. He also enjoyed classic television and movies and was quick to share his opinions on politics and world events. His real joy came from spending time with his family and sharing in his two sons’ academic and athletic accomplishments. He could not have been prouder. John passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends. He is predeceased by his mother, Dorothy, and survived by his father, John Jr., his wife, Beth, his sons John IV (Jack) and Connor. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in honor of John to New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Hospital or the National Kidney Foundation.

John Van Clief III

July 27, 1967 - October 23, 2023