Thomas James Cleary

Born in Escanaba, Michigan, on March 23, 1932, Thomas J. Cleary passed away peacefully at his East Lansing home on February 10, 2026. Tom's legacy is beautifully reflected in his nine children: Mike (Connie), John (Jann), Joe (Jan), Tom, Dan, Mary Ann (Saundra), Andrew, Bob (Linda), and Regina (David), as well as his twenty-two grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren who carry his spirit forward. Tom was preceded in death by Barbara, his beloved wife of 68 years; his eldest son, Mike; and his grandson, Jack.

Following his high school graduation, Tom proudly joined the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1950 to 1954. His military service took him to Donaldson Air Force Base in Greenville, South Carolina, where he specialized in medical records. He concluded his service with an honorable discharge, carrying the values of military service throughout his life.

Tom's post-service years were marked by hard work and new beginnings. He attended Marquette University on the GI Bill, building a foundation for his family in Milwaukee before returning to Escanaba. In his beloved hometown, Tom established a career in insurance and, alongside Barbara, started building a family that would eventually grow to include nine children.

A 'Yooper' through and through, Tom was the son of Escanaba's Postmistress and a father who worked as an oil industry executive and was the leader of the Delta County Democratic Party. Growing up, Tom had a front-row seat to the community service and political engagement that would define his own values for the rest of his life.

In 1959, Tom's career transitioned to public service when he was appointed Michigan's Deputy State Treasurer. Crossing the newly built Mackinac Bridge with Barbara and their first two sons, he settled the family in East Lansing. After five years, they moved to King Court, beginning a sixty-year residency that became the heart of the Cleary family. It was in this home that they raised their nine children, and where Tom's life journey came to a peaceful end.

Following his tenure as Deputy State Treasurer, Tom transitioned into a distinguished thirty-year career in governmental consulting. His professional life was marked by a deep commitment to honesty, civility, and a natural gift for

relationship building. His early years in the private sector were defined by perseverance as he founded and grew Michigan Legislative Consultants (MLC), the state's first multi-client lobbying firm. Though his initial effort to bring dog racing to Michigan did not materialize, the firm itself flourished under his leadership. MLC grew into a powerhouse representing a prestigious roster of state and national clients, from Michigan National Bank and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters to MCI Telecommunications and McDonald's. Today, MLC remains a thriving and respected fixture in the Lansing landscape, a lasting testament to the foundation Tom laid over 60 years ago.

Tom's commitment to the state's political heritage was further reflected in his work with the Michigan Political History Society (MPHS), where he served as an early and active board member. He championed the idea that people of different backgrounds can collaborate to solve important public issues. He was also instrumental in the founding of the MPHS Library, a project that combined his love for history and community service.

Tom possessed a unique gift for weaving his professional life into the fabric of his family. He often turned business conventions into cherished traditions, bringing everyone along to Michigan's iconic resorts, including the family favorite, Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. While his career was significant, his wife and family remained his ultimate pride and joy. He was never happier than when surrounded by the joyful noise of his children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors. This was true whether they were at the legendary gatherings on King Court, summer vacations at Brotherton's in Escanaba, or anywhere else the family gathered.

After his successful consulting career, Tom played a little more golf, but he also took his experience and skills along with a devotion to helping others into a second career as a volunteer. He put his leadership, enthusiasm, and time towards a multitude of charitable organizations including St. Vincent Catholic Charities and Refugee Services, Greater Lansing Food Bank, Lansing Loaves and Fishes, Mother Teresa House, and Meals on Wheels.

No description of Tom would be complete without recognizing his deep Catholic faith and his lifelong commitment to the church. A pillar of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, he gave generously of his time, energy, and resources to the community he loved. He was immensely proud that all nine of his children were educated at

St. Thomas. For Tom, the church was more than a community; it was a source of profound comfort and guidance, providing the spiritual map for his journey home.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Palmer, Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel, located at 520 E. Mt. Hope Avenue. A Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 955 Alton Road, East Lansing, with additional visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream of the Mass will be available at www.youtube.com/c/outreachmass. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

For those wishing to honor Tom's memory, a contribution to the Greater Lansing Food Bank would be a fitting tribute to his legacy of service. When donating, please indicate that the gift is in memory of Tom Cleary. For questions regarding memorial gifts, you may contact the GLFB at 517-908-3688. Donation envelopes will also be available at both the visitation and the funeral service.