October 31, 1932 ~ November 30, 2023
RICHARD M. (“TAD”) CLEARY age 91, of Reading, MA, died Thursday, November 30, after a brief illness. Beloved husband of Nancy (King) Cleary for 64 years. Devoted father of Christopher Cleary and his wife Cheryl of Fairfield, OH, Kathleen Casey and husband Peter of Haverhill, MA, and Julie Cleary Dillion and husband Jeff of Memphis, TN. Cherished “Buppa” of eight grandchildren — Joe, Stephanie, and Kelli Cleary, Brendan, Emily and Timothy Casey, and Samuel and Nathaniel Dillon – and five great-grandchildren. Also survived by brother-in-law Malcom (Pat) King and wife Mary Ann of Stoughton, MA and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel and Raymond Cleary, his sister Jean (Cleary) Dignan, and brother-in-law, Arthur Dignan.
Tad was a lifelong resident of Reading, the son of the late Raymond and Hazel (Steele) Cleary. After graduating from Reading High School, he served in the United States Army in signals intelligence during the Korean War, including a tour of duty in Japan. Following his service, he graduated from Dean Junior College then Merrimack College with a BS in accounting, and joined the Internal Revenue Service as a tax auditor. He met his life’s love, Nancy, on a blind date arranged by mutual friends. Tad and Nancy married on a beautiful, unseasonably warm winter’s day in December 1958. They made home in the top floor of a triple-decker in Somerville, during which son Chris (October 1959) and daughter Kathy (February 1961) made their appearances. With space becoming tight, the Cleary family sought more room and re-established home in Reading. Julie was born in 1970, rounding out the clan.
Tad had a rewarding and successful career at the IRS, but family was his heart and soul. They enjoyed many vacations in the White Mountains and trips to Disney World. Tad decided to join his family in the Catholic Church, and became a member at St. Agnes in Reading in 1987. Just as he approached his work he threw himself into preparing for his conversion with the energy and zeal of a 12th century scholastic. He has a history of participating in many sports and was a fan of the New England Revolution, Boston Red Sox, Atlanta (formerly Boston) Braves, and the Florida State Seminoles as was evidenced by his favorite ringtone. He was a tireless student of golf and engaged in a quest to perfect his swing. He spent many years coaching the Lynnfield High School golf team. He spent many years coaching the Lynnfield High School golf team.
He enjoyed riding horses and took up that passion at the age of 70. He would spend many hours at the barn grooming, brushing and riding his beloved horse Ace.
He enjoyed riding in small two seater planes with just him and the pilot and looking at the beautiful landscape of the North shore and Atlantic Ocean.
He had a great sense of humor, and a wonderful smile and always had something to add to the conversation. He lived a long, happy life. He will be missed by his family and friends and will be forever in our hearts.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass for Richard on Thursday, Dec. 7th at 10:30 am in St. Agnes Parish, 186 Woburn St., Reading. Interment will be private.
