Lynn Roy Clapham

Lynn R. Clapham, 86, died after a brief illness on April 19, 2026. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Dorothy Clapham of Lansing, Michigan. He is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Mary Belden Brown, his daughters Rachel (Mike) Gambone and Molly (George) Ross, and three grandchildren. He is also survived by a stepson, Christopher (Marlene) Brown, and two step grandchildren, William and Isabella; a sister, Judy (Dick) Kuzma, and brother, Brian (Karen) Clapham. He was also predeceased by his first two wives, Audrey Philcox, the mother of his children, and Gail Thacher.

Born in Owosso, Michigan, Lynn grew up in Lansing, Michigan. He graduated from Eastern High School in 1956; earned a BA from Western Michigan University in 1960; STB from Harvard Divinity School in l963; and Ph.D from Harvard University in Ancient Near Eastern Studies in 1970.

He was a very popular professor at Earlham College, and a successful development administrator at Kenyon College, Connecticut College, the University of Connecticut, and Mystic Aquarium.

After retiring in 2003, he studied European history and languages, as well as becoming a registered carpenter in R.I. He followed his passion for wood working, especially turning bowls and making weathered wood assemblages.

He and Mary embarked on what became a 25-year adventure of travel, mostly in Italy and Scandinavia, including multi-day hikes in Italy and Portugal. They also hiked all over R.I. nearly every weekend, often with friends.

His ashes will be strewn at Memorial Grove, Swan Point Cemetery at 1 pm on Friday, May 8, 2026. Reception to follow.

A chamber concert, dedicated to Lynn, will be held at a favorite venue, Grace Note Farm in Pascoag, RI on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the R.I. Food Bank, or Grace Note in Pascoag, or the Providence Athenaeum.

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