Donald R. Cleary

MARBLEHEAD –Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and patriot, Donald Richard Cleary, a longtime resident of Marblehead, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by three generations. He was the beloved husband of the late Jean (Eustis) Cleary with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. He was the son of the late Alexander and Jeanette (Roper) Cleary.

He was the devoted father of Dianne Monahan and her husband, Allen Katz of Johns Island, SC with whom he resided and the late Stephen Cleary; the dear brother of his twin sister, the late Jean Caso; the cherished grandfather of Kristen Monahan Miller and her husband, Andrew Miller, of Airmont, NY, Keryn Schneider and her husband, Andrew of Boulder, CO, Kaleigh McMillan and her husband, Kirk of Johns Island, SC; the adoring great-grandfather of Rubin, August, Gunnar and Juno Miller, Claire and Watson Schneider, and Liliana, Cleary, and Kadence McMillan. He is also survived by a niece, Lorraine Laubner and her husband, Ted and a nephew, Alan Caso and his wife, Allison and several great nieces and nephews.

Don attended the Lenox School and graduated from Marblehead High School. Upon graduation, he entered the Navy during WWII. He was aboard USS LST 141 and made three trips down the Mississippi River to New Orleans before boarding the USS Columbus to serve overseas. He was awarded 3 stars for serving in the European-African, Middle Eastern and Asiatic Pacific Theatres including on Okinawa.

After the war ended, he went to work for the Sheraton Hotel in NYC. Later he was employed at Liberty Mutual for over 34 years where he eventually became Vice President of Accounting. Retiring early allowed him to enjoy many years of golfing and travelling. He and Jean travelled to Europe, Africa and Asia. He spent winters in Sarasota, FL joining a large group of Marbleheaders for golf and socializing. While golfing on Cape Cod one fall, he got a hole in one.

From a young age he enjoyed sailing and won several racing trophies. He was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. He was a longtime member of St. Michael’s Church where as a young boy he served as an acolyte and sang in the choir. He was also a member of the Marblehead Philanthropic Masonic Lodge for over 61 years. He was also member of the VFW Post #2005 where he was a Gold Circle member for his faithful support of the VFW’s National Veterans Service Program Spending time with his family and friends were the highlights of his long life. He was very much loved and will be missed.

Due to current gathering restrictions, a future memorial service is to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Donald’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association 309 Waverley Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452 or via www.alz.org. To share a memory or offer online condolences to the family, please visit eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com.