C. James Cleary

C. James Cleary

C. Cleary Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 27, 2007.
EASTON - C. James Cleary, 84, a former president of Stonehill College and a longtime history professor at the college died August 23, 2007, at Bourne Manor after a period of failing health.

He was the husband of Florence (Grande) Cleary for the past 59 years.

Born in Norwood on November 26, 1922, a son of the late Cornelius and Ellen (Donovan) Cleary, he was raised in Norwood and was a 1940 graduate of Norwood High School. He continued his education at Boston College receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant. After the war he returned to Boston College, earning a master's degree in history in 1947.

Cleary came to Stonehill in 1949, one year after the college opened to teach history. He taught for 19 years serving as a professor and as department chair. In 1968, he became associate academic dean, a position he held for almost a decade.

In 1977, he was appointed interim president, becoming the college's seventh and only lay president.

Cleary retired in 1987.

A longtime resident of Norwood, he served as past chairman of the Norwood School Committee.

A Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 252, he served as the Past Grand Knight and was the former Faithful Navigator of Bishop Minehan Assembly. He has been a resident of North Falmouth for several years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children, James M. Cleary of Plymouth; Joan M. McElwee of Foxboro; Paul L. Cleary of Norwood; Stephen J. Cleary of Marlboro; and Susan C. Archer of Mashpee; 10 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Mary Grimmett, Joan Burke, Fr. John Cleary, Helen Burke and Paul Cleary.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday, August 29, at 9 a.m. at the Chapel of Mary, Stonehill College, Easton, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m.

Interment with military honors will be in Highland Cemetery, Norwood. Visiting hours are on Tuesday, August 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. in Donahue Hall, Stonehill College, Easton.

Arrangements are by the Kane Funeral Home, 605 Washington St., Easton.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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September 4, 2007

Joan Camber (Murphy) 1958 posted to the memorial.

August 29, 2007

Madeline Eysie posted to the memorial.

August 28, 2007

Julie (Lajoie) Drummey posted to the memorial.

Joan Camber (Murphy) 1958

September 4, 2007

Of all the teachers in all of my years of schooling, Mr. Cleary was, by far, my favorite teacher. I can still hear him start his classes: "All right now, let's begin." And he'd be off and running...nary a note in evidence.
My sympathies go to his family. He is a man who will never be forgotten.

Madeline Eysie

August 29, 2007

Dear Paul and Cleary Family,
My heartfelt sympathy and respect to a man of integrity, intelligence and warmth. Many Blessings to all the family.

Madeline
(Rayme's cousin)

Julie (Lajoie) Drummey

August 28, 2007

My sympathy to the Cleary Family.
I know you will all miss his humor and kindness.

Michael and Jacqueline Delaney

August 27, 2007

My husband and I have fond memories of Mr. Cleary.
We send our condolences to the family.

Edward J. Kelliher

August 27, 2007

To Florence & Family
For many years Jim was a good friend to me. All the year with the Knight of Columbus we work together and had many good time doing it. Jim was always a gentleman to everyone that he came in touch with. He will be missed by everyone.

Susan Archer

August 26, 2007

Hi Dad
You would be so pleased if you could be here and see how wonderful everyone is being to Mom and all of us. We are so proud of you and all you have been. We miss and love you.

Love Sue

Linda Ippolito

August 26, 2007

To the strong and brave Mrs. Cleary we extend our Sympathy to you and your wonderful family. May the memories you all share help you through this very difficult time.

Much love,
The Ippolito Family

George Coombs

August 26, 2007

Mr. Cleary was a major inspiration for me in my teaching career. He demonstrated compassion and concern for his students and treated them as individuals. I have tried by emulation to follow his example and as a result he has indirectly touched over seven thousand young people. I think of him often and I shall pray for him, as well as his family.

Adele (Gately) Gray

August 26, 2007

Dear Cleary Family
Nobody ever had a better neighbor that Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with you and my memories are happy ones.
Adele

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Sign C. Cleary's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 4, 2007

Joan Camber (Murphy) 1958 posted to the memorial.

August 29, 2007

Madeline Eysie posted to the memorial.

August 28, 2007

Julie (Lajoie) Drummey posted to the memorial.