John Henry (Jack) Cleary

John “Jack” H.  Cleary of Pawtucket passed into eternal life on September 13, 2018 at 82 years old.  Jack was born in Pawtucket, the son of the late John J. Cleary and Lena (Shaw) Cleary.  He was predeceased by his only sister, Marilyn Cleary.  He leaves behind a cousin, Bill (Connie) Reid of Coventry.  Jack was a long time member of the Arc of Blackstone Valley.

He earned his living doing assembly work for many years until retiring.

As a young man, Jack grew up in Pawtucket.  His fondest memories were accompanying his father, an announcer for the Providence Reds Hockey team, to the games at the old Rhode Island Auditorium.  He loved the games, hearing his father over the loud speaker and hanging out with the players.  Most of all Jack loved his job to cue the singer when it was time to sing the national anthem.  All who met or knew Jack often heard him reminisce and brag about these fond memories.  Jack was a patriotic man and a local sports enthusiast who regularly attended Paw Sox games.  He loved to wear his base ball cap, display the American flag, and listen to patriotic music.  

To his family and all who knew him at the Arc of Blackstone Valley Jack was known as a caring, appreciative man.  He had a great sense of humor and was a bit of a tease.  He was a good friend to many.  In his life time he was blessed to love and be loved by many.  If he referred to you as “buddy” rather than your name, he considered you part of his extended family. He will be missed by his family and by the many close friends and caring staff he made throughout the years at the Arc of Blackstone Valley.   

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial for Jack on Saturday, October 6th at 10:00 am in St. Teresa’s Church, 358 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket, burial to follow at Mount Calvary in Cumberland.

His calling hours will be on Friday, October 5th from 4-6pm in the Manning-Heffern Funeral Home, 68 Broadway, Pawtucket. Relatives and friends are invited.www.manningheffern.com