Robert J. Cleary

robert cleary

August 25, 1933 ~ September 27, 2024

Born in: Bronx, New York
Resided in: Vienna, Virginia

On September 27, 2024, Robert Joseph Cleary, 91, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his three beloved children, and other dear loved ones.

Robert (Bob) was born on August 25, 1933, in New York. He graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx, where he was a standout cross country athlete. After graduating in 1951, Bob joined the US Navy, later transferring to the US Army, where he served during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. With a strong desire to pursue a college education, he retired from active duty but remained in the US Navy Reserves until 1961. Bob completed his studies at The City College of New York, earning a degree in electrical engineering.

As a stylish young man embarking on a promising career at Western Union, Bob met the vivacious Jeanette Sullivan at a popular local hot spot—”hot” being the operative word as she burnt a hole in his tie and subsequently melted his heart as well during their first encounter! Bob and Jeanette tied the knot in 1963 and soon embraced the joys of parenthood with the arrival of three children. In 1971, Bob’s job at Western Union relocated the growing family to Vienna, Virginia. By 1980, Bob embarked on a lengthy tenure with the Department of Defense Information Systems Agency, where he played an instrumental role in advancing military communications, contributing significantly to the development of the modern internet. After retiring in 1999, Bob fully enjoyed all the pleasures that came with this new chapter in life. He took great delight in being actively involved in raising his grandchildren, traveling, and supporting his favorite teams, the NY Giants and Yankees, before eventually shifting his allegiance to the Washington Nationals.

Bob was a kind, approachable, and gentle man exuding a warm and inviting presence to everyone he encountered. He was commonly known as “The Mayor” due to his tendency to stop and chat with complete strangers wherever he went, often forgetting that his family was waiting for him in the car! Bob was a man deeply rooted in his Catholic faith. His unwavering trust in God’s plan sustained him throughout his life, comforting him to the very end with the certainty of reuniting with his cherished Jeanette who passed away just six weeks prior. He took great pleasure in attending Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, serving as an usher for over 20 years.

Bob is survived by his three children, Kirsten Rickard, Gabrielle Cleary, and David Cleary (Susan); and seven grandchildren and step-grandchildren,

William Rickard (Kylie), Matthew Rickard, Mia Cleary, Reis Cleary, Ellie Cleary, Cooper Clark, and Annemarie Clark. Bob is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Stephanie and Al Pagliughi. sister-in-law Cathy Pagliughi. Bob is predeceased by his wife of 61 years Jeanette, his parents, Patrick and Margaret, his brother, Edward Cleary, and sister Mary Doherty.

Funeral services will be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church on Friday Oct 18th. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 am, Funeral Mass from 11:00-12:00 pm, with luncheon at the church to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Parkinson Disease Association. https://www.apdaparkinson.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/ https://www.apdaparkinson.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/

[His] lord said to [him], ‘Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your Lord.’ Matthew 25:21.

Services

Visitation: October 18, 2024 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church
8601 Wolftrap Rd.
Vienna , VA 22182

703-938-7440

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial: October 18, 2024 11:00 am

Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church
8601 Wolftrap Rd.
Vienna , VA 22182

703-938-7440

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Rest in peace Bobby – I was blessed to have known you. The Cleary Family holds a special place in my heart…go dtí go gcasfar le chéile sinn arís.

    Oliver Fitzgerald & Family

  2. Rest in peace, Bob. I am blessed to know you and Jeanette over the years during many beach trips, happy hours, and holidays with your dear Gaby. You both will be missed very much. Thank you for leaving the fondest of memories to make us laugh and smile🥰


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide