William M. Cleary
August 15, 1922 ~ March 12, 2008
On Wednesday morning, March 12, 2008, William M. Cleary of Vienna, Virginia passed away five days after suffering a stroke. Beloved husband of wife, Geneva; loving father of Denise Cleary McInerney of Centreville, Virginia & Michael Cleary of Apex, North Carolina & their families; loving brother of Leona Brick of Tonawanda, New York, plus one niece, four nephews, & their families. William & Geneva would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this coming August.
Mr. Cleary was a World War II Veteran, specializing in communications. In 1948, he helped establish WHEN in Syracuse, New York, one of the pioneering TV stations in the U.S. He later worked as electronics engineer for various companies & retired after spending 25 years with the CIA, where he was recognized for his many contributions to national security.
William was also passionate about his hobby of crafting jewelry from precious metals & was particularly fond of working with silver & opals. He loved animals, especially "his" backyard squirrels & his beloved cats, Black Magic & Butter. His last year was spent in residence at Fairfax Nursing Center, where he found new purpose & great joy in cheering patients & staff alike. Bill leaves many dear friends there.
Family will receive friends Friday, March 14 from 6-8 pm at the Money & King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Ave., Vienna, Virginia. Funeral services will be held at 1pm, Saturday, March 15 at Epiphany United Methodist Church, 1014 Country Club Dr. NE, Vienna, Virginia. Interment at Flint Hill Cemetery in Oakton, Virginia. Flowers may be sent to Money & King, or memorial contributions may be made to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd., Kanab, UT 84741.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Mr. Cleary was a World War II Veteran, specializing in communications. In 1948, he helped establish WHEN in Syracuse, New York, one of the pioneering TV stations in the U.S. He later worked as electronics engineer for various companies & retired after spending 25 years with the CIA, where he was recognized for his many contributions to national security.
William was also passionate about his hobby of crafting jewelry from precious metals & was particularly fond of working with silver & opals. He loved animals, especially "his" backyard squirrels & his beloved cats, Black Magic & Butter. His last year was spent in residence at Fairfax Nursing Center, where he found new purpose & great joy in cheering patients & staff alike. Bill leaves many dear friends there.
Family will receive friends Friday, March 14 from 6-8 pm at the Money & King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Ave., Vienna, Virginia. Funeral services will be held at 1pm, Saturday, March 15 at Epiphany United Methodist Church, 1014 Country Club Dr. NE, Vienna, Virginia. Interment at Flint Hill Cemetery in Oakton, Virginia. Flowers may be sent to Money & King, or memorial contributions may be made to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd., Kanab, UT 84741.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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A fine man and a friend has departed. I will miss seeing and talking to Bill at TSRA luncheons. JL.
A gentleman who will be missed by all.
Bill was the BEST at his work. He was gentle and kind. He will be missed by all. Bill was my friend. No doubt that Bill is now busy exploring secrets of the universe.
I remember Bill (old goat) as one of the kindest and nicest persons I ever met and had the pleaseure of working with at the Lab. His ability and attention to detail and love of his work will be remembered by all.
Although I didn’t know Bill all that well, I always respected him and liked his sense of humor. He was one of the senior members we looked up to. May he rest in eternal peace.
I was assigned to the lab for several years. Every day of that time was better because of Bill. Discussions with Bill in the hallways, or on a project were always pleasant. He was a “scholar and a gentleman†and the “salt of the Earth”. What a great world if there were more just like him. Shel
I worked with Bill at the Lab and I always enjoyed our hallway conversations and shop talk. Bill was a kind and gentle person with a self effacing humor. He was a real gentleman and a scholar in his field.
Gen and Family, MY sincere condolences on the loss of your dear husband, Bill. Many years have passed since we worked at “THE BANK”, but I always remembered the good times that we had. What a blessing to have had Bill’s love for almost 60 years ! Sincerely, Margie McFarlane
Joyce and I spent many years working in the same area as Bill. I worked in the electronics field when bill came on board. In fact, Bill became the mainstay in a field that I too worked. That gave Bill and me many problems to talk about and to share. Joyce came on the scene later during the expansion of the facility where Bill spent many years. Bill and Joyce shared many pleasant moments. Joyce and I respected Bill for his innovative approach to problems and his work ethic. He was truly a gentleman in spite of his self-imposed title,”the old goat.” Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill and his family.
Wish we could be there to support you during this difficult time. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers! Patrick, Sandy, Kristen & Katie McInerney
Denise, we will always have fond memories of the dinners with your parents. Your dad had such a great sense of humor and so much to share. Our thoughts are with you and your family.