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Michael Patrick Cleary
4/2/1962 - 2/1/2026
FUNERAL HOME
UPCOMING SERVICE
Visitation
Feb. 24, 2026
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home
Send FlowersMichael Cleary Obituary
He was born in New London, April 2, 1962, the son of Edmund and Shirley Dahl Cleary. He was a graduate of East Lyme High School and had lived in Colorado for 27 years working for Vail Resorts where he had been employed as a security guard. He returned to Connecticut to help with his aging parents and did so until their passing.
He will be surely missed; he was vibrant spirit with a zest for life. He also was an avid skier. His happiest years were living in those Rocky Mountains. White water rafting, hiking, mountain biking, going to rock concerts, and NASCAR races were his other interest and activities. He was an adventurer at heart!
He is survived by three brothers, Edmund, John and Steve Cleary; two sisters, Cathy and Amy.
Calling Hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, and a remembrance Gathering to be announce through social media at a later date for family and friends.
The Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home of Niantic is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared on Michael's memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Michael Cleary
Funeral services provided by:
Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home48 Grand Street, Niantic, CT 06357
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Cleary
Sponsored by Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home.
7 Entries
Kimlyn Flanzer Marshall
Yesterday
Blessings to your family! Your parents will be there to greet him.
Fred
Yesterday
John, Steve. So sorry for your loss. Freddy
Rachelle Cleary
February 18, 2026
You weren´t just my uncle you were my favorite kind of person. The fun one. The one who could walk into a room and instantly make it lighter.
You had a way of making life feel less serious and more joyful. Whether it was your jokes, your stories, your laugh, or just the way you showed up you made my childhood brighter. You reminded us not to take everything so hard, to smile more, and to find humor even on the toughest days.
I will always remember the way you made me feel.
Heaven gained the most entertaining angel, and I know you´re up there making everyone laugh already.
Thank you for the memories, the love, and the joy you gave so freely. I will carry your laughter in my heart forever.
I love you always, Uncle Mike.
Sara Suscella
February 18, 2026
I'll love u forever and ever. Idk what to say... u took your role as godfather so seriously and no matter what, we're always there for me. Until we meet again, never fade away!
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Dorene Saunders and Loren Shaw
February 18, 2026
RIP Mike
Dave Fairman
February 18, 2026
Rest in Peace Mike
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