Sylvester H. “Buster” Clegg Jr.

Sylvester H. “Buster” Clegg Jr., former General Manager of the Providence Reds of the American Hockey League and a champion of youth hockey in the state of Rhode Island passed away peacefully on June 5, 2024 at the age of 87.

Born in Burrillville RI, he was a resident of Barrington RI for more than 50 years. Buster attended Burrillville HS where he was team captain and earned All-State honors as a senior. After graduating from high school he attended the University of New Hampshire where he was co-captain of the hockey team and Co-MVP in his senior season. Upon graduating from UNH Buster was hired by the Providence Reds of the AHL where he began his career. He would eventually be named General Manager of the Reds, at the time the youngest General Manager in all professional hockey and one of the first to focus on US collegiate hockey as a source of professional talent.

After leaving the Reds, Buster embarked on a career in advertising and public relations, eventually owning his own advertising/public relations firm, until his retirement. Never far from the hockey world, after retiring he founded and served as President of the Rhode Island Reds Heritage Society, an organization created to celebrate the rich history of the Reds and promote the sport in the State of Rhode Island. For close to 40 years Buster was active as a youth hockey coach while also serving in several other capacities in the development of hockey programs throughout RI. He helped start both the East Providence Youth Hockey Association and the Barrington Youth Hockey Association, as well as being one of the founders of the Barrington High School hockey program. In 2020 Buster was recognized by the RI Hockey Hall of Fame with the Malcolm Greene Chace award, presented for ”Achievement and Outstanding Service to the game of Hockey by a Rhode Islander”

Over his nearly 40 years as a coach, he coached hundreds of young hockey players, instilling in them a love for the game. Many of his players went on to play high school, college and some even professional hockey. He was a fixture at all Rhode Island hockey events as well a fixture at all of his children’s and grandchildren’s sports and extracurricular activities. He was fiercely loyal and proud of his family, as they were of him. He led an incredibly meaningful and impactful life and will be sorely missed.

He was predeceased by his parents, Sylvester H Clegg and Selma Marie Clegg (Ekstrom). He was also predeceased by his wife of 54 years Margery E Clegg (Boylan). He is survived by his three brothers; Peter Clegg and his wife Joan, Bill Clegg and his wife Janet, and Jim Clegg. He is also survived by his 4 children and their families. His son Buster Clegg and his wife Rebecca, his daughter Anne (Piette), her husband Stephen, his son Chris, his son Pat and his wife Carrie. Buster (Papa) was the proud grandfather of thirteen grandchildren, Chris and his wife Mary, Ben, Courtney, Patrick, Colin, Olivia, Cameron, Aidan, Lily, Aidan, Isabel, Quinn, and Parker. In addition to his thirteen grandchildren, he was great grandfather to Charlotte and Christopher.

In Lieu of flowers donations to be announced

please check back for service information