Clay Felicitas
Chaplin - Navy
Clay was born on Aug. 24, 1950, in Hollister, California, to Clay and Juanita Felicitas. He died peacefully on April 23, 2022, with family by his side.
Livermore was his home for the majority of his life. He graduated from Granada High School in 1969 and followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the Navy on Nov. 19, 1969. He served two tours in Vietnam as the lead Boatswains Mate 3rd Class on the USS Long Beach before his honorable discharge on Nov. 19, 1973. He married the love of his life, Mary Armendariz, on Nov. 25, 1972, who was his wife of 49 years.
After leaving the Navy, Clay was employed as a ranch hand taking care of stallions. He then began his career as a gardener for Sunset Homes in Livermore, the City of Livermore, and the Lawrence Livermore National Lab. Once he left the Lab, Clay followed God’s call to work with at-risk kids as a School Community Liaison for the Livermore School District for 18 1/2 years and a Livermore Police Chaplain for 15 years, serving both police officers and families in Livermore during their time of grief.
While in the Navy, Clay accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He became a licensed minister to serve in prison ministries. He was a generous man who touched many lives and was always willing to give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. A powerful prayer warrior, he was not ashamed to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, because he knew it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.
Clay enjoyed barbecuing with his brothers Peter and Robert and catering to friends and family. He always felt blessed to be surrounded by family on special holidays and occasions. For him, everyone he knew became family. He always made sure that there was enough food for anyone who visited.
