James H. "Jay" Cleary Jr.

James "Jay" Cleary Jr., 73, a lifelong resident of Taunton, passed away on February 10, 2026.

Born in Taunton to the late James and Joanne (White) Cleary on October 16, 1952, Jay graduated from Taunton High School and was a man of loyalty and tireless work ethic. He began working for Trucchi's Supermarkets as a teenager and dedicated his entire 50-year career to the company, deeply valuing the friendships he had there.

A devout Catholic and member of St. Jude the Apostle Parish, Jay served as a Eucharistic Minister, lived his Cursillo, and found strength in many spiritual retreats. His faith was the foundation of his character. He was always ready to help anyone at any time.

For Jay, family was number one. He was a constant presence in his children's lives, coaching youth hockey, baseball, and basketball. A longtime YMCA member, he shared his passion for fitness by training his children at the gym. He loved car rides down the Cape with his wife and children, and cherished summers visiting family on Martha's Vineyard. In his later years, his greatest joy was being Grampa and cheering on his grandchildren.

Beloved husband of Maryellen (Courcy) Cleary, he is survived by his children: Patrick Cleary and his wife Nicole, Jackie Cleary, and Peter Cleary and Christina Sawyer; and his two cherished grandchildren, Alana and Killian. He was the brother of Janice Cleary, Jeffrey (Noreen) Cleary, and Jerilyn Dube (Ray Rochon). He is also survived by his aunt Paula Driscoll, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Cleary.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 4:00–7:00 P.M. at Riendeau-Mulvey Funeral Home, 467 Bay St., Taunton, MA. A Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:30 A.M. at St. Jude the Apostle Church, 249 Whittenton St., Taunton, MA, followed by an interment at St. Joseph Cemetery, 475 E. Britannia St., Taunton, MA. All relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago IL 6060 or at (www.alz.org) or for Mass Intentions at St. Jude the Apostle Church, 249 Whittenton St., Taunton, MA.