John J. Cleary

John J. Cleary (88) – John passed away the morning of March 8, 2023, at his home in Dumont NJ, with his family by his side. John was a lifelong resident of Dumont; a graduate of Dumont High School (Class of 1952), worked for Western Electric / Lucent Technologies (retired 1991) and had been a resident in Dumont since 1969 with his wife Geraldine (deceased 2012). John and Gerri were married for 46 years and built a strong home full of love and family. John was active in the community as a member of the K of C / Columbian Club President, as well as active coach in Dumont youth sports throughout the 1970s. He was active in Dumont's Annual Pentathlon, partnering always with Billy G and against their fiercest arch-rivals Dennis and Eddie. John and Billy G were 5-time champions, and a highly disputed 6th championship was stolen from them (or so John would have you believe). John was a man of faith, family, and fun; he had a strong relationship with God; He was devoted to his wife and family and was always its greatest protector. A man who told it like he saw it and was not one to mince words, but always with the best of intentions; and he was always keen with a joke or a way to seemingly find a way to make you laugh, usually when you needed it most. John is survived by his five children (spouses): John of Phoenix, AZ; Thomas (Kim) of New Bern, NC; Patrick (Cheryl) of Fulshear TX, Kathy (Stephen) of Lyons CO, Karin (Greg) of Dumont NJ and his adopted son Paul (Karen) of Boonton Township, NJ. John's legacy will continue to live on in his grandchildren, the ones that he always cherished and have been most proud of, Megan, Kerry, Jack, Thomas, Maia, and Karys. His legacy will always be in your spirit of purpose for the future and in chasing your dreams.
Family and friends will be welcomed at Basralian Funeral Home, 559 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell on Monday, March 13th from 4-8PM. Funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 14th at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in John's Name.