David Lee McCleary

David Lee McCleary, 91, passed away November 30, 2025 at Menno-Haven Brookview Health Care Center, Chambersburg, PA. He was born September 24, 1934, Chambersburg, PA to Bruce O. and Margaret (Rotz) McCleary.

Dave was a 1952 graduate of Chambersburg Central High School and a 1956 graduate of Penn State University.

As an Eagle Scout, Dave tried to live by the Scout Oath: "Oh my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country. To obey the scout law. To help other people at all times. To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight." "A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent."

Dave and his wife loved traveling in their years together, mostly on guided tours, visiting numerous states across the country and Canada. An avid outdoorsman, he loved national parks and the overall beauty of creation. He had a special passion for all animals, but his favorite were elk, cougars, deer,bear and birds. He thoroughly enjoyed annual trips out west elk hunting and in later life climbing mountains, calling elk, listening to them bugle and watching them fight and mate.

He was employed by McCleary Oil Co. as a Truck Driver (1951-1958), local service stations (1958-1964), laundromats (1980-1992) and self employed as a developer of Presidential Heights (1964-1980).

He referred to himself as a jack of all trades, master of none!

Dave was a life member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Chambersburg Church of the Brethren, where he served as an usher and greeter and sat on the Properties Commission Board. He also served on the Franklin County Board of Assistance, Greene Township Lions Club and the Chambersburg Salvation Army.

His favorite charities included the Chambersburg Church of the Brethren, Salvation Army, Children's Aid Society, National Park Foundation, Special Olympics, World Wildlife, the Southern Poverty Law.

Dave is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Patricia A. McCleary, whom he married July 17, 1993; brother, Ronald McCleary; daughters, Colleen Sherts and Marilyn Marshall (Steve); grandchildren, Aubrey Love (Tyler), Briana Smith (Jesse), Trevor Sherts, and Jeremy Marshall; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Shay Smith and Logan and Levi Love; step-children, Scott Glass (Annette) and Michelle Harris (Ed); step-grandchildren, Lisa Harris (Lee) and Kiana Barilar (Garrett); step-great grandchild, Joseph Harris.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Bruce and Margaret (Rotz) McCleary.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Chambersburg Church of the Brethren, 260 S. 4 th Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201 on Saturday, December 20 at 11:00 a.m. followed by fellowship in the Brethren Life Center. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dave's memory to any of his favorite charities.