Monsignor Joseph V.S. McClancy (1882-1954) was born in Queens and studied for the priesthood at St. Joseph Dunwoodie Seminary in Yonkers, NY. He was ordained in May 1907, and first served as an assistant pastor at St. Gabriel’s church in Brooklyn (1907-1924), where he later became Pastor (1924-1950). He was the Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn from 1915 until his death in 1954.

Monsignor McClancy was especially supportive of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart’s work in American education. This religious community planned and built this high school, which opened in 1956, and runs it to the present day. It was named in Monsignor McClancy’s honor due to his contributions to Catholic education.