December 11, 1942 – February 4, 2025
John Cleary, 82, passed away suddenly but peacefully at home on February 4, 2025, in Omaha, NE.
Born on December 11, 1942, in Wichita, KS, John dedicated his life to his faith, his marriage his nine children and thirty-three grandchildren.
He had yet to meet the youngest of his three great- grandchildren but loved seeing photos of them.
In high school, he excelled in baseball, basketball, and football. In his Senior year of high school, he was voted the most outstanding athlete in the state of KS. After graduation, he headed to Montana State College on a basketball scholarship.
John was known for his unwavering faith, strong moral compass, compassionate spirit, incredible humility, keen intellect and his amazing smile. He found happiness in the simple wonders of nature and solace in nature’s quiet beauty. He was a voracious reader of non-fiction and was fascinated with history.
In addition to reading every night, his favorite pastimes were attending church, visiting family, traveling, golfing and boating.
John found joy each day and remained very positive even in tough situations such as living with Alzheimer’s disease for over eight years, living with stage three malignant melanoma and Parkinson’s disease. His most treasured moments were ones spent with his family; that was when he smiled his brightest smiles.
Together, John and Pam had a blended family of eight boys and one girl. They were married for forty- four and one-half years when John went to be with the Lord.
John was preceded in death by parents, John and Christine; infant sisters Ann Cleary, Pamela Cleary; sister, Sheila Skolaut; brother, Rob Cleary.
Those left to honor his memory include his loving wife, Pamela Cleary; sisters, Joan Opinante, Mary Meyer ( John); brothers, Ed Cleary, Chris Cleary ( Sharon); children: Shawn Cleary ( Jackie), Rob Cleary (Deann), Kevin Cleary, Kevin Gilson (Vicky), Dan Cleary ( Tami), Chuck Cleary ( Kelly), Kyle Gilson ( Kerri), Colleen Cleary, Kreg Gilson ( Karen); grandchildren: Samantha, Megan ( Garrett), Landon, Forestt, John, Ryan, Brady, Matthew, Aubrey (Zack), Emily, Breanna, Alex, Morgan, Paxton, Braeden, Zachary, Maggie, Madison, Christine, Robert, Sabrina, Cameron, Shannon, Darian, Nicholas, Presley, Katelyn, Makayla, Ben, Chris, Chance, Alicia, Erika; great-grandchildren: Lucy, Crew and Tatum.
VISITATION: Friday, April 25, 2025, from 5:30PM to 7:00PM at the West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, followed by a REMEMBRANCE SERVICE from 7:00PM-8:00PM.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday April 26, 10:30AM, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 5801 Oak Hills Drive, Omaha. Following the Mass, please join the family for luncheon at the church.
PRIVATE FAMILY INTERMENT
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed by the family.
To view live broadcasts of the service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
4 Comments
Will miss his smile 😊
Prayers for Pam and the family
I know your probably captaining you new amazing boat in Heaven and then getting in round of golf John! You will be missed and always remembered!
John has a special place in our hearts! He was such a joyful and kind person,. It was a honor to know him. We will miss him and that beautiful smile. Sending love and prayers to Pam and the entire family.
All our love and prayers to Pam and the family. We both miss him and hold dearly the time spent together in Maui and Kauai on beautiful vacations together and trips to Omaha. And family gatherings in Kansas and here in the Pacific Northwest.
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