William Joseph Cleary

On October 12, 2025 William Joseph Cleary; Devoted son of the late William and Rita Cleary and loving brother of the late Mary C. Cleary and the late Patricia Williams; dear uncle of Michael Diehl. Also survived by his loyal companion dog Jackson.

Bill was charming, funny and a great storyteller. He loved music throughout his life, playing in several bands when he was younger. For over 50 years he has compiled a list of his Top 200 songs and posts regularly on a Music Countdown group on Facebook. Bill used his vast music knowledge as well as his general wisdom to play Bar Trivia three days a week, health permitting. Bill and his teams, including the eponymous PuffinGFunk, have made it to Trivia Championships many times. Bill was also an avid board gamer with a huge collection of games. He loved attending Boardgame Conventions with friends and game designers he has known for years. He also enjoyed puzzles of all kinds, competing for many years in the MIT Puzzle Hunt and recently playing Escape Rooms. His love of learning and engaging with people always kept him young at heart. Bill leaves behind a large community of friends and he will be missed.

Friends may visit at the Ruck Towson Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 York Road on Thursday October 16, 2025 from 10 AM – 12 Noon at which time a funeral service will be held in the chapel at 12 Noon. Entobment Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Jackson's gofundme.