Donald Cleary served in the U.S. Army Reserve after his active duty service from 1972 to 1994, retiring with the rank of Lt. Colonel. Donald Cleary was recognized with several military honors, including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Army Reserve Achievement Medal. In the City of Taunton, Donald was a dedicated government employee who began his career as a Social Studies instructor for the Taunton Public Schools. He progressed through various roles, eventually retiring in 2010 as an Assistant Principal, Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent of Schools. His commitment to his community was evident, and he held a deep affection for the City of Taunton.
Donald Cleary Obituary
He was actively involved in numerous organizations that aimed to give back to the community, including the Taunton Pop Warner, Old Colony YMCA, Taunton Area School-Career, Kiwanis, Kiwanis Key Club, Elks Lodge #150, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 611. Donald also took on significant leadership roles, including serving as the 50th Mayor of the City of Taunton and as a City Councilor following his retirement from the Taunton Public Schools.
On August 27, Donald Cleary, aged 79, passed away at Morton Hospital with the compassionate care of hospice nurses and his devoted family at his side. Born on February 24, 1944, in Boston, Massachusetts, Donald was the child of the late Harold J. and Elizabeth (Donovan) Cleary. He proudly graduated from the Class of 1962 and attended Coyle High School and St. Mary’s Primary School during his upbringing in Taunton. He pursued higher education at Providence College, earning a bachelor’s degree in education. He furthered his studies at Northeastern University, obtaining his MA in 1974 and CAGS in 1980. In 1967, he married Judy Conway, and together they raised four children: Donald Jr., Jeffery, Jessica, and Keith.
Surviving him are his children Donald Cleary Jr. of Franklin, Jeffrey Cleary of San Francisco, Jessica Fernandes and her husband Peter of Taunton, and Keith Cleary and his wife Teressa of Mansfield. He is also survived by his wife of 56 years, Judith Cleary. He was preceded in death by his siblings Elizabeth Ploude and Harold Cleary Jr. His grandchildren Hunter and Samantha Cleary, Janel, Mia, and Covu Fernandes, Mary Kate, and Jack Cleary remember him fondly as their grandfather.
He is also remembered by his late brother-in-law John Conway and his wife Julia Conway, sister-in-law Ruthann Cleary, brother-in-law Richard Ploude and his wife MaryAnn, sister-in-law Elizabeth LaBrode and her husband Myles, and brother-in-law Ruthann Cleary. Additionally, he leaves behind nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews whom he adored. Donald’s calling hours will be held at Crapo-Hathaway Funeral Home, 350 Somerset Ave., Taunton, on Thursday, August 30, from 4 to 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Friday, September 1st, at St. Mary’s Church, 14 Saint Mary’s Square, Taunton, followed by burial at Saint Francis Cemetery on Taunton’s North Walker Street. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to PO Box 193, North Dighton, MA 02764-9998, payable to the Donald Cleary Community College Scholarship.
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Source: HIS Education