Reverend Francis X. Cleary S.J.

Francis Cleary was an inspiration and friend to my husband Richard Zelle, Sr., who passed from this world to his home in heaven on May 1st of this year. I am confident that Frank and Dick have connected in their heavenly home and share many laughs while beautiful music plays.

I admired Fr.Cleary so much when he would say Mass at St. Joseph's in Clayton in the late 60's and early 70's with his stong stand for peace and our church as the spiritual descendants of our jewish brothers and sisters. It is an amazing coincidence that I happened to click on his name today just a week after his death, as I was preparing a list of my Jesuit heroes for an essay I am writing. Harry Blanton

TO the CLEARY FAMILY:
The Parish Family of OUR LADY of SORROWS CHURCH in South St. Louis mourns the passing of our distinguished priest-son of the parish, Fr. FRANCIS X. CLEARY, S.J.

His nearly 50-year priesthood in the Society of Jesus, and his extensive involvement in the Archdiocese of St. Louis are a great source of pride to all of us here at OLS.

Father Cleary will be remembered in Masses at OUR LADY of SORROWS in the coming year, and on All Souls Day, as one...

From my days at SLU and being your Social Worker/case manager at St. Mary's on more than one occasion. Your spirit touched my life. Thanks for all of the great conversations and wisdom you brought to my life. Take care of my dad in heaven!!

It was a blessing and a joy to have known Fr. Cleary. I still remember his homilies, especially about Jesus' choosing women, and a reinterpretation of "The Widow's Mite". He loved the little kids at mass and was always pleasant to everyone. There was great rejoicing in heaven when he arrived. May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord let His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord turn with favor upon you and give you peace!

Fr. Cleary was a good friend of my family's and wrote my letter of recommendation to St. Louis University High School when I was applying. I owe a lot of who I am to my experience at SLUH, and Fr. Cleary believed in me enough to give me that opportunity. I could never thank him enough.

A full newpaper page couldn't list all of Fr. Frank's great attributes: intellectual, generous, holy, witty and humble. A man who touched so many in his kind and understanding way. Heaven is an even happier place now that he is there.

Frank, you touched my life in a deep and wondrous way. I give thanks for you and the way your life effected and changed mine. We will meet again in God's Presence.