Robert J. Cleary

Southbridge - Robert J. Cleary, 78, died Monday, November 1, 2021, at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, following a sudden illness.

Mr. Cleary is survived by his wife of 52 years, Shirley Mae (Renaud) Cleary, whom he married on August 23, 1969.

He was the son of the late Russell J. and Anita (Bouvier) Cleary of Auburn, MA. He was predeceased by his sister Nancy M. (Cleary) LeBreton. He leaves behind his nephew Kevin LeBreton and his wife Chris, his nephew Mark Freeman, his niece Nancy Clark and her husband Robert, his niece Deborah Grady and her husband Kevin, and his nephew Brian LeBreton and his wife Kerry and many great-nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his two closest friends, Sim and Robert.

Mr. Cleary was a veteran of the US Army, serving in the Vietnam War and graduated from Fitchburg State University in 1970 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and went on to graduate with a Master’s Degree in Education in 1971. His love of nature eventually drew him into working for many years as a forester. He loved hunting, boating, and fishing.

His funeral will be Saturday, November 20, 2021, from Sansoucy Funeral Home, 40 Marcy Street, Southbridge, MA, with a Funeral Mass at 10AM at St. Mary's Church, 263 Hamilton Street, Southbridge. There will be a calling hour from 8:45-9:45AM at the funeral home prior to his Mass. Burial with Military Honors will immediately follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Evergreen Street (off of Charlton Street), Southbridge, MA.

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