Patrick Raymond Cleary

After a life characterized by lively curiosity and deep connection with his family, Patrick Cleary (74 years) died on February 27, 2026 at his home in Winfield Illinois having benefited from the attentive care of his brother Francis for several years.

The fifth of eight children, Pat was born in Chicago on December 27, 1951 to Rosemary and James Cleary. He grew up in Hinsdale Illinois, attending St. Isaac Jogues School and Hinsdale Central High School.

Pat earned his degree in Aviation Management with specialization in Aviation Technology at Southern Illinois University (1976). For the next 29 years, he pursued his chosen career as an aircraft mechanic and later avionics technician, initially in smaller aircraft maintenance at Chicago Midway airport, followed by a 30-year career with American Airlines at Chicago O'Hare airport, earning many service awards, and more importantly the respect and friendship of many colleagues.

An avid learner with a wide variety of interests, Pat would enchant others with quiet musings about anything from the birth of stars, the operation of home heating systems, to the behavior of the sea turtles he pursued during one of his first adventures snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands.

Pat is survived by his siblings Francis (Martha), Maureen, Rosemary, Stephen (Karen), Peter (Kathy), his six nieces (Dana, Heidi, Allison, Meghan, Caitlin, Kathryn), and seven grand-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers James and Dennis.

A gathering for family and friends will be held later this year.