Floyd E. Seeley in his signature outfit as Seal the Clown. A poem, “The Clown’s Prayer,” captures his life and legacy. “The Clown’s Prayer” As I stumble through life, help me to create more laughter than tears, dispense more happiness than gloom, spread more cheer than despair. Never let me become so indifferent that I will fail to see the wonder in the eyes of a child or the twinkle in the eyes of the aged. Never let me forget that my total effort is to cheer people, make them happy and forget at least momentarily all the unpleasantness in their lives. And, in my final moment, may I hear You whisper: “When you made My people smile, you made Me smile.”

Floyd E. Seeley, age 76, local businessman and known to thousands of children and adults alike as “Seal the Clown,” died of cancer April 6, 2007 at Lakeside Memorial Hospital, Brockport.

Mr. Seeley, often referred to as Seal, was owner/operator of Seal’s Auto Parts, which had its beginnings in a traveling van, going from garage to garage to provide auto parts to his customers. As his business grew, he had storefront locations, first in the Brockport area, and finally in Spencerport. He also operated Seal’s Tours from 1981 to 1998, offering deluxe motorcoach trips to many locations throughout the country. His passengers were afforded every comfort possible and treated royally, according to many satisfied travelers. A lover of antiques and books, he was a shop owner at Craft Antique Co-op, at its original site in Hilton’s Canning Street Square as well as at its current location in Greece.

Generously sharing of himself and his personal time, Mr. Seeley is perhaps best known for his role as Seal the Clown. According to his wife, Helen, who he married in December 1953, Seal became interested in clowning in 1972, after joining the Masonic Lodge and the Shrine. For many years he made weekly trips to local hospitals and nursing homes, delighting patients with his balloon creations and presenting many with stuffed animals or dolls. Every June, he arranged for special education children to enjoy an afternoon at the Spencerport Firemen’s Carnival. In December, he entertained children afflicted with Spina Bifida at a Christmas party at the Ferris Goodridge American Legion Post in Spencerport. For the last ten years, he amused children at Brown’s Berry Patch in Waterport every weekend, from Mother’s Day until mid-October.

Seal was often seen at area parades, riding his motorized scooter along the parade route, stopping to chat with spectators.

A shy and humble man, Seal never sought recognition for his endeavors; in fact, he did what he could to avoid that. Nevertheless, his accomplishments and humanitarianism did not go unnoticed by the communities and people he touched.

In 1983, he received the Toastmaster International’s Communication Achievement Award for his dedication to the sick and handicapped, the elderly and firemen, and for communication excellence for his willingness to teach others the art of clowning. The Rotary Club honored him with the Paul Harris Fellowship Award, given to community professionals in recognition of their outstanding contributions exemplifying the highest ideal in Rotary in placing “Service Above Self.”

"Seal was a true Rotarian who put ‘Service Above Self,’ volunteering his talents as a clown to delight and amuse," said Brockport Rotarian Pat Baker. "He was a fixture at nearly every Rotary Ziti Dinner and numerous other club events."

In January of this year, the Spencerport Area Chamber of Commerce presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation for his participation in the business community and for his generous contributions of time, energy and talents entertaining children and adults, especially those with special needs, as “Seal the Clown.”

A man of many talents, he could recite a poem or quote a verse on just about any subject. His cooking skills were known to many. When asked what the secret was to the wonderful flavor of his creations, he replied that good cooking comes from the heart. “It comes from in here,” he said, pointing to his chest.

Floyd Seeley was predeceased by his daughter, Debbie, in 1971. He is survived by his wife, Helen; son, David of Waterloo; daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Harry Love of Hamlin; his granddaughter, Chloe Louise Love, who was born April 4, just two days before his death; three step-grandchildren, Alex, Hailey and Sydney Love; brother, Donald (Margaret) Seeley of Webster; nieces and nephews. He was a member of Unity Lodge #479 F. & A.M., Etolian Chapter #308 Order of the Eastern Star, Ferris Goodridge American Legion Post #330, Rotary Club and Elks.

A Memorial Service was held at Sweden-Clarkson Community Center in Brockport on April 13. Contributions may be made to “Everybody Rides” FIDDSO, c/o Fowler Funeral Home, 340 West Avenue, Brockport, NY 14420 or to the American Cancer Society in his memory.

•Fry, Edison W., April 8, 2007 at age 75 after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann of 52 years; sons, Nathaniel (Lisa), Todd (Cindy); daughter, Pamela (Jay) Priest; two grandsons; two granddaughters; several nieces and nephews. He served in the Navy for four years on the USS Monterey Aircraft Carrier during the Korean War. He retired from the NY Telephone Co., Rochester Telephone Co, and its subsidiary, Rotelcom. In his retirement years, he volunteered his time at Fallone's Funtime Center on Whittier Road, as an all-purpose handyman.

A Celebration of his Life was held April 12 at New Comer Family Funeral Home, Greece. Interment, LaFayette Rural Cemetery.

BROCKPORT

•Hauck, Andrew J., PFC age 19, died suddenly April 2, 2007. Andy loved life and loved being a member of Det. 1, Co.B, 3\126 Aviation of the National Guard. Andy is a 2005 graduate of Brockport High School and a 2006 graduate of the Army Aviation Logistics School, Ft. Eustice, Virginia. Andy is survived by his loving parents John and Theresa Hauck; sister, Maryanna; grandparents Bob and Barb Hauck of Irondequoit and Eileen Fitzpatrick of Hilton; many aunts, uncles and cousins. Andy is also survived by many devoted friends and his girlfriend Tiara. Predeceased by his grandfather and buddy, Harry J. Fitzpatrick.

A Funeral Mass was said April 10 at The Nativity Church of the BVM, Brockport. Interment, Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Veterans Outreach Center, 459 South Avenue, Rochester 14620 in his memory.

•Heath, Thomas W., On April 10, 2007 at the age of 92. Predeceased by his wife, Helen. Survived by his daughter, Karen (James) Niles of Brockport; grandchildren Tara Niles of Baldwinsville, New York and Thomas (Katie Brace) of Rochester.

Funeral Services were held April 13 at the Fowler Funeral Home Inc., Brockport. Interment, Garland Cemetery, on April 17 at 10 a.m. Contributions can be made to the Lakeside Health System in his memory.

•Seeley, Floyd E., "Seal the Clown," died April 6, 2007 at the age of 76. Predeceased by his daughter Debbie. Survived by his wife Helen Alpaugh Seeley; son David of Waterloo; daughter Mary (Harry) Love of Hamlin; granddaughter Chloe Louise Love; step grandchildren Alex, Hailey, and Sydney Love; brother Donald (Margaret) Seeley of Webster. Floyd was a member of the Masonic Lodge 479, Eastern Star Chapter 308, Rotary, Elks, the American Legion Ferris Goodridge Post and a Korean War veteran.

A Memorial Service was held April 13 at the Sweden Clarkson Community Center. Contributions can be made to "Everybody Rides" FIDDSO c/o Fowler Funeral Home Inc., or the American Cancer Society in his memory.