Thomas L. Cleary, 83, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Sherburne, N.Y. on January 17, 2018.
Tom was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1935, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Cleary. He was predeceased by his brother Daniel Cleary and his sister Jane (Cleary) Murry.
Tom is survived by his sister Mary (Cleary) Clark and family. He is also survived by the mother of his children Joan (McHugh) Cleary and their nine children:
Thomas and Angela Cleary, Bob Cleary, Kevin and Ellen Cleary, Bill and Joann Cleary, Kathy and Carlos Gutierrez, Linda and Scott Seiler, Dan and Marta Cleary, Michael Cleary and James and Colleen Cleary.
Tom is survived by 17 grandchildren: Billy and Elaine Cleary, Mandy Cleary, Scott and Kristin Seiler, Danielle and Steve Panzella, Kaitlyn Cleary, Cory Seiler, Thomas Cleary, Taylor Cleary, Jack Cleary, Emma Cleary, Michael Cleary, Matthew Cleary, Allison Cleary, Mark Gutierrez, Patrick Cleary, Colin Cleary and Declan Cleary. He is also survived by two great grandchildren: Andrew Cleary and Olivia Cleary.
Tom was very lucky to have had more than 30 years with his close friend Marie Pearson and her son Josh Pearson. Tom’s children would like to thank Marie for all the love and care she gave to their father throughout those years.
After high school Tom entered the police academy and proudly served the New York City police department for 20 years, finishing his career as Detective Thomas Cleary. Upon his retirement he moved to Oxford, NY where he and his children had built their home. He purchased The Limerick Pub which he owned and operated for years, making many good friends during that time.
Tom’s last career was in real estate. He served as an associate broker for Northeast Realty and enjoyed making property investments of his own.
Tom loved to play cards and he played in several local leagues in the area throughout the years. Tom played in one of those leagues the night before he passed.
The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation for the kindness and support so readily provided by Tom’s friends and neighbors, Don and Betsy Campbell.
Friends and family may call at Behe Funeral Home Inc. 21 Main Street, Oxford, NY 13830 on Saturday, January 20, 2018 from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM funeral service will follow at 5:00 PM with Rev. Larry Cronk officiating. Friends and family may share their memories and condolences by visiting www.behefuneralhome.com