Benjamin Jeremy Clapp

Benjamin Jeremy Clapp, 14 years, 8 months, and 7 days drowned August 7th, 2024, at the “B Street” Dam in Morrisville VT. He was born on December 3rd, 2009, in Burlington. His “Super Proud” Dadda, Dana Clapp and his “Fierce” Momma Jennifer Holton-Clapp brought him home to our house in Wolcott, VT, where he was surrounded by love, family, and animals for his entire short life.

Our family was so fortunate to spend family vacations together over the years in Florida, Maine, Plymouth MA, Martha’s Vineyard, an incredible 12-day road trip from San Diego to San Francisco, Grand Caymans, Belize, Bahamas, & Cancun. Our last trip in April 2023 was to Florida, and we enjoyed swimming in the ocean, shopping and just enjoying our time together as a family. Dana and Ben enjoyed a boy’s Mahlos baseball trip to Cooperstown NY this July and in August I was able to take Jake, Skylar, and Ben for an overnight in Springfield MA before dropping off at their overnight basketball camp. I would not trade any of those moments and memories, they make me smile and cry and are an absolute joy for me. We love the memories of Ben that we have; like the fact that he is still one of the best huggers I know, maybe because as he got older those hugs meant more, as they were given less frequently-LOL. I loved the fact that when I introduced him to someone, he looked them directly in the eye and stuck his hand out to shake (despite COVID). Benjamin was a joy and a blessing to Dana and me…every moment of every day!

“All people die, but not all people live.”  Ben lived each of his 14 years with heart, humor, and fierce passion. He had a sparkle in his eyes and inherent charm that drew people to him wherever he was. He made people feel seen. His leadership abilities were clear from the moment he stepped onto his first field to play team sports. He challenged his teammates and opponents to give their absolute best.

On the soccer field, in his younger years he was everywhere, he just appeared. He would play offense, defense, even goalie, if needed. Anything to keep the ball out of the net. He was always an intense competitor but showed dignity and respect for those who officiated. He was a joy to watch play as he had a self-assurance, grace, and a god given ability to know where the ball was at all times, as well as an uncanny sense to know his opponent’s next move.  He was celebrated as the “Ball thief” Clapp, the “Hustle Machine” and he won first place “Golden Birdie” in eighth grade. 

His ”Brothaas” Jake Brink and Skylar Grant were never far from his side and CC had a piece of his heart.  His brother from another mother Cam Bradley, along with all his classmates and teammates, across his many years of athletics (hockey, skiing, golf, baseball, soccer & basketball) supported and loved him immensely. 

Ben is survived by his grandmother Cheri Holton (Tu-Tu) and her husband Rick Perkins (Poppy) and his cousin Ayauna Holton (his sister); his Grandpa Rick Holton and Coco; Dave and Dolly Holton and Family, Jim and Beverly Alexander and Family, Dave and Nancy Alger and Family; Paul and Leslie Bagnall and Family, Greg and Lee Grove and Family, Nina and Dave and Family.

He is predeceased by his Grandma Jackie Clapp, Grampa Mark and Uncle David Clapp, his Grandma Leona Alger and his Grampa Joe and Grandma Karlene Holton. 

His Uncle Jeremy Holton passed away in 2004 but Jeremy’s legacy lived on through Benjamin. Benjamin’s middle name was Jeremy and he inherited some of his best traits from his Uncle Jeremy. His daughter Ani became Ben's beloved sister. Our family is comforted in our knowledge that Ben is now with Jeremy, and it makes us all smile to think about the shenanigans they might be up too!

“Both of their candles burned out long before their legends ever will!”

Please join us at the Morrisville Oxbow on Sunday, August 25th @ 2:00 PM to celebrate Ben’s life (dress casually and bring a chair) and then we will proceed to Peoples Academy Gym at 4:00 PM for what I can guess will be some fabulous food. 

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the 2024/2025 Euro Soccer trip. The Peoples Academy 9th and 10th grade boys are planning a soccer trip in 2025 and Ben was so looking forward to being part of it. To donate contact Sara Haskins, Morrisville Town Clerk, 802-888-6370  mscu16euro@gmail.com.  Arrangements are with the des Groseilliers Funeral Home. Condolences and memories of Benjamin may be shared with his family at dgfunerals.com.

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