DR. SEAN PATRICK CLEARY

Sean Patrick Cleary, devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and renowned surgeon, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 52, on Sunday, August 10, 2025, while participating in a triathlon in Barrie, a recent passion in a lifelong dedication to athletic pursuits.

Sean is survived by his wife, Janice Clugston; his beloved sons, Owen and Christian; his parents, Michael and Eleanor Cleary; and his sisters, Lisa (Paul Reid, Sadie and Blythe) and Stephanie, as well as extended family.

Born in Toronto, Sean quickly revealed himself to be a remarkable young boy, adored by his parents. His adventurous spirit was nurtured as he spent his formative years living with his tight-knit family in various countries across Europe. These experiences of frequent moves and diverse cultures forged strong family bonds, making Sean a devoted son and fiercely protective brother. His adventures continued in high school at Neuchâtel, Switzerland, where he formed many deep-rooted connections. Thereafter, he pursued his undergraduate degree at Queen's University, where he developed an enduring love for The Tragically Hip and continued to make lifelong friends.

While pursuing his M.D. at Western University, Sean met Janice and continued to forge numerous enduring friendships. Upon graduation, Sean joined Janice in Toronto. After completing a general surgery residency, Sean pursued a fellowship in hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery at the University of Toronto. He also earned an MSc in cancer genetics and MPH, ultimately achieving his FRCSC designation. During this time, Sean and Janice married and found both a home and cherished friends in the incredible community of Leaside.

Sean achieved remarkable success in his heartbreakingly brief career, beginning when he joined the University Health Network as an HPB surgical oncologist at Princess Margaret. While at UHN, Sean established a research program in cancer epidemiology and became an Associate Professor. In 2017, Sean, Janice, Owen and Christian made the move to Rochester, Minnesota, where Sean was a Professor of Surgery at the Mayo Clinic and eventually took on the role of Division Chair of HPB and Pancreatic Surgery. Sean flourished professionally and thoroughly loved his time at Mayo. In 2023, he made the difficult decision to leave Mayo to return to Toronto where he held the Bernard and Ryna Langer Chair of the Division of General Surgery at the University of Toronto. Sean also held leadership roles in major surgical societies in both Canada and the U.S., including serving as President of the Canadian Association of General Surgeons, was a fellow and member of the Board of Governors of the American College of Surgeons, and the President of the Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association. Deeply driven and compassionate, Sean was a visionary leader who profoundly impacted his patients, mentees, and colleagues throughout his career, saving and enriching countless lives with his skill and care.

Outside his numerous professional achievements, Sean was a natural athlete who enjoyed playing hockey, tennis, and golf and excelled at skiing, both downhill and water. Growing up, he enjoyed time with his family at their cottage on Georgian Bay, and he especially relished the annual family ski trip. A lifelong member of the Granite Club, Sean was a longtime Masters swimmer and recently added cycling to his long list of athletic activities.

Most importantly, Sean was a caring husband and loving father. He was immensely proud of Owen and Christian, never failing to smile as he recounted stories of their accomplishments to all who asked. He gladly spent hours in cold rinks over the years watching and coaching hockey for both boys and shared his love of skiing, cottage life and the outdoors with them. He cherished every moment with his boys, from simple nights at home watching movies to camping in Algonquin.

Sean is profoundly missed by devastated family, friends and colleagues. Fully, Completely.

Friends will be received at Humphrey Funeral Home (1403 Bayview Avenue) on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Blessed Sacrament Parish (2982 Yonge Street) at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025. A livestream link will be available on the funeral home website. Private burial will follow immediately.

A Celebration of Life will follow the funeral service, with details provided during the service.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Please consider a donation to the Canadian Liver Foundation or the UHN Foundation. Online condolences may be left at humphreymiles.com.