With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Julio Efrain Clavell, who departed this life on May 31, 2026, at the age of 75 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in New York City on December 3, 1950, Julio was a proud New Yorker through and through. No matter where life took him, New York was always home. He was rarely seen without his beloved New York Yankees cap adorned with the Puerto Rican flag - a symbol of the two places that shaped his identity and remained close to his heart throughout his life.

Julio was a skilled electrician and a proud member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 3. He spent many years working as a union electrician and took great satisfaction in guiding both his son, Julio Victor Clavell, and his nephew, Gregory Aquino, to follow in his footsteps and join the electrical trade.

Life was not always easy for Julio, but he faced its challenges with resilience and determination. As an IBEW Local 3 electrician, Julio was working in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. After safely evacuating, he later returned to Ground Zero to assist in the recovery and cleanup efforts.

Outside of work, Julio embraced life and the people around him. He loved bowling and spent countless hours competing in bowling leagues with his family and enjoying the friendships that came with the sport. Julio loved salsa music and dancing, and few things brought him more joy than a good salsa song, good company, and a reason to celebrate. He also enjoyed playing poker, where his quick wit and competitive spirit were always on full display. More than anything, however, Julio will be remembered for his sense of humor. He was a natural comedian, a storyteller, and a jokester who always had a joke ready and could find a reason to laugh even during difficult times. His laughter was contagious, and his ability to bring a smile to the faces of others was one of his greatest gifts.

Julio is survived by his daughter, Christine Clavell; his daughter, Amanda Soto; his son, Julio (Jay) Clavell; his mother, Doris Robles; his sister, Doris Stockton; his grandchildren, Adrian Franco, Gabriel Franco, Daniel Franco, Lucia Franco, Jayden Clavell, and Autumn Clavell; his nephews, Gregory Aquino and Gil Bertin; his nieces, Danielle Hernandez and Jessica Ramos; his half-sisters, Lilly Clavell, Jacqueline Clavell, Evelyn Clavell, and Diana Napoli; and many extended family members, friends, fellow union brothers, and loved ones who will forever cherish his memory.

Though he is gone, every Yankees game, every bowling alley, every family gathering, every Puerto Rican salsa song, and every well-timed joke will remind us of the great man and larger-than-life personality that we loved and will never forget. Whether he was known as Julio, Juju, or Papa, he will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

May he rest in eternal peace.

With love and remembrance,

Christine Clavell