Henri Carleton Clinch, 67, of Ridgewood, New Jersey, died peacefully in his sleep on February 9, 2018. He leaves behind his wife of 43 years, Janel Clinch, and his two beloved children: Henri Courtenay Clinch II and Justine Clinch Kaufman, as well as his wonderful grandchildren: Henri Clayton Clinch, Sienna Clinch, and Colette Kaufman, and his adored sister Nanette Clinch.
Carleton was very blessed to have his daughter Justine, son-in-law Jordan, and granddaughter Colette living in Ridgewood, as well as having his son Court, daughter-in-law Shasta, and grandchildren Clay and Sienna living close by in Oradell. He was able to see them and spend time with them constantly. They loved him beyond measure, and he returned that love. The greatest highlight of his day was when he saw his family and spent time with his grandchildren. He spoke often of how fortunate we were to have our family so close.
Carleton’s favorite time was summer. Spending his weekends at the Avon beach surrounded by family was what he looked forward to the most each year, whether reading the paper, biking the lanes, swimming in the ocean or eating a meal with the whole family in the backyard. It was and will always be a special place for all of us.
Carleton also had a passion for sports, coaching Court and Justine’s Maroon soccer or little league baseball teams. Racquet sports, especially tennis, played a huge part of his life, and the Saturday morning and Thursday night tennis group, in particular, he took tremendous enjoyment in.
Everyone that knew Carleton knew him for his warmth, wisdom, advice, and friendship. He was a huge part of the community, touching lives from his law practice in town to his active role in the community over many, many years. He embraced Ridgewood with great warmth, and was embraced in return. St. Elizabeth Church in Ridgewood served an important role in his life, be it ushering, in the pews or talking after the service. He found great pleasure in the church and St. Elizabeth was central to the marriage of his children, and the baptisms of his grandchildren.
Carleton spent the first few years of his life living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan before moving to Oradell. He attended George Washington Middle School and met his future wife in Ridgewood High School, where he graduated in 1968. He went on to study at Brown University and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1972. Carleton continued his studies at Rutgers Law School, graduated in 1975 and won the prestigious Moot Court competition.
Carleton became Assistant Prosecutor of Bergen County in Hackensack, and then left to join his father in private practice. After his father’s passing, he continued the practice, growing it over the years. He also followed in his father’s footsteps as chairman of American Red Cross. Among the varied roles he took on in the community, of which there are far too many to list fully, these are a few of the ones he was proudest of: he was president of the Ridgewood AM Rotary, received the Paul Harris award, was also a member of Ridgewood Stablehands, served as Board Member of the Glen Rock Savings Bank, and was a producer of Jamboree in the Golden Year. In addition to all the roles he played he also loved playing He made time for everyone and enjoyed those moments immensely, making friends easily and sharing his wisdom and smile readily.
The Funeral Service will be Tuesday 10:00 AM at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, 169 Fairmount Rd., Ridgewood.  Visiting Monday 4:00-8:00 PM at the Feeney Funeral Home, 232 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood. .  In lieu of flowers, donations in Carleton’s memory to the Ridgewood Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 1152, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, would be greatly appreciated. 

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