Vincent Cleary - Obituary

f Edgewater, Maryland passed away on February 13, 2013 at the age of 75 with his wife and children by his side at his home. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Shirley Hamby Cleary, whom he always held close to his heart and was always the center of his world. Their love adorned them with six children: Vincent Cleary Jr of Rockville, MD; Maryann Cleary Hawley of Fleming Island, FL; Bill Cleary of Edgewater, MD; Therese Cleary Clarke of Edgewater, MD; Shirley Cleary Booth of Edgewater, MD and Kathleen Cleary of Edgewater, MD. He was blessed with 22 grandchildren who always brought out his loving smile and laughter. Born January 12, 1938 in Washington, DC to William Francis and Mary (Roche) Cleary and raised with his nine siblings in Mitchellville, Maryland. A 1956 graduate of Gonzaga College High School where he was a scholar and athlete then later inducted to the Gonzaga Hall of Fame and awarded the St. Aloysius Gonzaga Medal for his generous contributions and providing educational opportunities in the form of scholarships. A 1960 graduate of Villanova University where he attended on a football scholarship. After an outstanding 50 year career as President and CEO of Cantwell-Cleary Company, Inc., he and his wife led their family company into the 100th year and the succession of the third generation. He served as Chairman of the Executive Committee and on the Board of Directors during his 33 consecutive years at The National Capital Bank in Washington, DC. He remained a devoted Catholic and volunteered time to his church community as Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary’s Church in Annapolis. He was a Third Degree Honorary Member of the Knights of Columbus and an active member of Congressional Country Club and the Annapolis Yacht Club. Greatly regarded as a mentor due to his immense care for the best interests of others through his unselfish donations and sharing of extensive years of business knowledge and life experiences. His quick wit and joy for life with family and friends radiated and always made guests feel welcome. His life will resonate for generations to come through the inherited joy, care and love he passed on to his wife, children and grandchildren. The Cleary Family welcomes guests to visit on Sunday, February 17 from 2 to 5pm at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, February 18 at 10:30am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 109 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis, Maryland. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Vincent’s name to the Mother Teresa Missionaries of Charity or Servants of the Lord and the Virgin Matara.