"My sympathy is with you all. I remember the smile that he always had. He always shared melons and corn with us at the office. We always shared a laugh even when he was not feeling well. again my sincere Sympathy Nurse Becky (formally with Dr Smith)"
In loving memory of
Joseph ' Joe' A. McCleary
February 28, 1930 - June 21, 2017
JOSEPH MC CLEARY
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Joseph 'Joe' A. McCleary, 87, passed away on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, at the Bettendorf Health Care Center.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at the St. Mathias Church. A time of food and fellowship will follow the mass at Gannon Hall. Following the luncheon burial will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. on Monday, June 26, 2017, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Ss. Mary and Mathias Catholic School. Online condolences: www.wittichfuneralhome.com
Joe was born on February 28, 1930, in Muscatine, the son of Joseph and Dorothy Burroughs McCleary. He married Jo Ann Fabrizius on October 4, 1953, at the St. Mary's Church in Muscatine.
He worked for Davenport Cement as a laborer and after 30 years retired in 1987, as Plant Superintendent. He was a produce farmer for years owning and operating Joe's Market on South Highway 61.
He was a member of the Ss. Mary and Mathias Parish and served as a trustee for St. Mary Church. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge and was an avid hunter.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Jo Ann McCleary of Bettendorf; two daughters, Debbie McCleary of Silvis, Illinois, and Peggy McCleary of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two brothers, Howard 'Pete' McCleary and wife, Beatrice, of Muscatine, and Thomas McCleary and wife, Clara, of Muscatine; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Richard McCleary.
Tributes
"We are so sorry for your loss. Losing loved ones is always hard. We are wishing you comfort. May you find peace in all of your wonderful memories of him. Laura and Jeff Behrens"
"Dad I will miss watching Steelers and Hawkeyes games with you. Love Debbie"
"Thanks for being the one thing I could always count on. So lucky that you were my father. Love you, Daddy"
"Dear Peggy, my condolences on the passing of you Dad. It's hard to let go of our loved ones and my thoughts and prayers are with you "
"Peggy, we are so very sorry to hear about your father's passing. Our thoughts are with you, Debbie and your mother. We're sorry we can't be there and wish you comfort, peace and strength. Charlie and Jerri Nelson"
"Peggy, we are praying for you and your family. We love you very much and our thoughts are with you! David & Jana Armstrong"
"Dearest Deb (and family) I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I was hoping that he was well these past few months. This news came as quite a shock. Please take comfort in your loving memories of your dad. ~ Joani"
"So sorry for your loss. Heaven has gained another hard working member of the McCleary family. RIP cousin Joe! Deepest sympathy Ken & Linda (McCleary) Stanton "
"Sorry for the lose of such a fine cousin. We all will miss him dearly, but he will live in all of our hearts. Lynn & Bob McCleary"
"I am soo sorry for your loss, Peggy and Debbie, and for your dear mom too. Hoping you will find peace in your memories together. Sending hugs and prayers your way. Wish we were there. Love, The Lodens"
"I remember he always had a smile on his face! He let me keep my horses at his place!! Such a nice man, will be greatly missed!"
"I remember always going down to the stand (Joe's Market) on the 4th of July, he had the best fire works around!! I will miss you uncle Joey..."
"My favorite memory is working at the Mellon stand in the summer. Joey worked all day at Dewey Cement, then worked in the fields and then finished up in the stand. One night it was 10 before we closed. Joe & JoAnn gave me my first job. "
"So sorry to hear of your loss Debbie and Peggy and to your mom. I always remember the days staying overnite at your parents home and especially the fruit stand. Your dad was such a wonderful man."
"Deb, extremely sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family."
"Deb, so sad to lose a parent. My heart goes out to you! I pray that the good Lord holds you during this difficult time and that you feel loved and supported by family and friends with feelings of peace and comfort. John 14: 1-3 says, 'Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me. My Father's house has many rooms, if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." May this bring you comfort! Cathy B"
"Deb, so sorry for your loss. Many thoughts and prayers for your family."
"JoAnn, so sorry for your loss! I have memories way back @ St. Mary's of you & Joe dating. So glad you'll have the good times to hold so dear!! You & your daughters are in my thoughts & prayers!! May God keep you close! Love, Betty "
"Many fond memories working at the market with the whole family . I learned to thump a watermelon and cut out a core for customers to taste test. My parents were very good friends, and Joann and my mother were club members of the Belles of St. Mary's. May God Bless the family and hold them tight during this sad time. I pray he is at peace. He was a loving husband and father. -Therese (Mills) Finney"