Born in 1931 in Bronx, NY, Thomas Cleary was the oldest of four brothers. His mother; Josephine and father Eugene were immigrants from County Kerry, Ireland. In 1947, while attending Cardinal Hayes high school, Thomas won a college scholarship that The New York Times annually awarded to a single paperboy. The scholarship enabled him to attend St. John’s University, where he studied business administration and worked for the college newspaper. Following college, Thomas briefly enlisted in the army during the Korean conflict, serving his country at Fort Dix in New Jersey, but was not deployed and did not see active combat.
In the mid 50’s and 60’s, Thomas worked as an accountant in Manhattan; first for Lybrand Ross Bros., and eventually for Singer. Singer’s offices were located in 30 Rockefeller Center and it was here that he met his wife, Margaret. They married in January 1968 and in November had their son, Michael.
In 1970, Thomas accepted a position at Sybron Corp., and the family moved to Rochester, NY. In 1973, after buying their home in Perinton, daughter Rosemary was born.
In the 1980’s, Thomas began to pursue diaconal studies through the Diocese of Rochester at St. Bernard’s Institute. In 1991 after receiving a master’s degree in Theology, Bishop Matthew Clark ordained Thomas deacon in a ceremony at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Deacon Thomas served from 1991 to 2006 at St. John of Rochester Parish, in Fairport.
Throughout his diaconate, Thomas and Margaret’s ministry included assisting the chaplains at Monroe Community Hospital, the Clinical Pastoral Education Program, regularly bringing the Eucharist to Catholics in area nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities, preaching at Sunday Mass, baptisms, hospital visits and graveside services. Tom was also the officiant in both of his children’s wedding services.
Perhaps Deacon Thomas’ longest and most impactful contribution was through his decades-long service at St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality, in downtown Rochester – a Catholic Worker house founded and based on the philosophy of Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin. Dedicated to the nourishment and selfless service of the most vulnerable and least powerful in the community, Thomas served on St. Joseph’s board and managed their finances until 2014.
Thomas is survived by his loving wife Margaret, brother John, children Michael and Rosemary, grandchildren Eryn, Emmett and Archie.
Calling Hours Tuesday 4-6 at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport. Funeral Mass Wednesday 11AM at St. John of Rochester, Fairport. Reservations may be made https://www.stjohnfairport.org/funeral-seat-reservations where it will also be livestreamed.
Comments
12 responses to “Cleary, Deacon Thomas J.”
May Tom rest in peace! And may you, his family, be consoled by his faith in the Lord and love for you!
Thinking of you all at this sad time. We are holding you in our prayers..
Dear Margaret and Family,
I am so saddened to learn of Tom’s passing. I have such fond memories of our days together in the Diaconate program. My Tom loved the support and friendship that kept up all afloat during those days. My prayers for you and I find peace in knowing the two Tom’s are sharing heaven. Donna
So so sorry to hear this Margaret. Keeping you and your wonderful family close in prayer.
Dear Margaret, I am so saddened and touched to read of Tom’s passing. You both were so dear to my Tom, and you walked closely with us through Tom’s illness. in fact, your Tom was the very first person at St. John’s that I told when we first learned that my Tom was sick. I was beside myself and blurted it out in the parking lot. Your Tom jus threw his arms around me.. something that perhaps he didn’t do often as such a reserved gentleman. I will never forget that moment! I know that my Tom was waiting with open
arms to greet him. You are in my thoughts and prayers with beautiful memories and much love, Mary
Dear Margaret – remembering our days at St. John
Of Rochester fondly and sharing fellowship at your home. Tom was so kind and gentle with that ever beaming smile. We remember his becoming a Deacon. He certainly served with joy and gladness and a blessing to all he touched. May the joy of the Lord comfort you and bring you peace. Lovingly and sincerely
I’m sending you lots of love and keeping you and your family in my prayers. I have such fond memories of Tom and his kindness. Love, Margit, Dave and Marcel
I was on the board of St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality back in the eighties with Tom. Tom’s goodness emanated from him… His heavenly reward is a hundred fold! . My prayers are with his family during these first days grieving his passing. May God’s blessings be upon each of as you journey this path.
Margaret , please accept by deepest sympathy on your loss
Be assured you and family will be remembered in my prayers
I always remember Tom’s warm smile .
Margaret, Tom was such a wonderful, giving man — so gentle and kindly — an a giant in the diaconate. We are both SO MUCH richer because of you and Tom.
Dearest Margaret, Michael, and Rosemary and families:
We extend our warmest love to each one of you at this most difficult time. May warm smiles fill your heart Margaret, as you recall our “Friday Night Circle Gatherings” with the traditional Brie Cheese & Crackers. We leave you with warm hugs & forever love.
To Margaret, Mike and Rosemary: You have my deepest sympathies on your loss. Lots of cherished memories. Prayers and Peace for all of you.