John "Jack" Cleere

John Cleere "Jack" 1925 – 2014

Jack passed away Thursday, July 17, 2014 in Flagstaff, AZ surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Kilfinane, Co. Limerick, Ireland to Edward and Mary Cleere, and his family moved to Kilkenny at the age of 5. He attended a Christian Brothers School and studied Latin, English, Irish Gaelic and Math. He joined the Irish Army and then served in the Royal Air Force during which he spent time in India.

After World War 11 he moved to London where he met the love of his life, Rose Houston. They married in 1951 in Hammersmith London, and then emigrated to the U.S. in 1953 with $75 dollars in their pockets. Most of Jack's career was as a self-employed painter and he retired from Revlon. They lived in New Jersey until 1995 when they moved to Flagstaff to be close to their son and grandchildren.

Jack loved telling stories about growing up in Ireland and his life experiences such as being in the presence of Gandhi and Winston Churchill. He was instrumental in forming the Northern Arizona Irish Foundation. Through this endeavor he met many cherished friends who shared his love of Celtic music and History. He was an avid reader and gardener up to his final days. Jack's dedication to his family was limitless. He was a familiar and friendly presence at the pool, baseball, football and lacrosse fields as he attended his grandchildren's practices, games and meets.

His parents and several siblings preceded Jack in death. He is survived by his sister Anne Donahue, his wife Rose, his son John, his daughter-in-law Anita, and his grandchildren Christian & Aidan Cleere and Kaine Kennedy. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 26, 2014 at 4pm at the First Congregational Church at 740 N. Turquoise Drive, 86001.

This obituary was prepared by the Advertising Department (928) 556-2279.