B. Ronald McCleary

It is with profound sadness and love that we announce the passing of our beloved father, B. Ronald McCleary.  He was born on April 25, 1932 in Chambersburg, PA to Bruce O. McCleary and Margaret Rotz McCleary.  

"Ronnie" loved his hometown and no matter where he lived over the years, Chambersburg held a special place in his heart. He graduated from Chambersburg High School.  His love of music came from playing his trombone in the high school band and also his own group called The Rhythm Kids.  His love of music sustained him and there was never a day without music.  He attended Gettysburg College and earned a BA Degree in Business.  As part of the ROTC program, he then entered the US Airforce to fulfill his duty to his country that he loved. As 1st Lt, he taught officers to fly at a base in TX. Before his tour of duty,  Ron married his high school sweetheart, Doris McConaghy McCleary who passed away in 2011.  Ron remained a reservist until 1970. 

After the Air Force, Ron and Doris moved back to Chambersburg and raised their family.  Ron opened several businesses to include a paint store, laundromats and car washes.  As a young man he worked for a period at the McCleary Oil Company and helped on his grandparents peach orchard.

Over the years he and Doris moved to MD to be close to family until the beach beckoned and they relocated to Vero Beach FL where they enjoyed entertaining friends and family, also spending days at the beach.  Upon the passing of his wife, Ron moved back to MD and  lived with his daughter (Kim McCleary Schmitt) and his son-in-law (Dr.James Schmitt) until his passing.  He is also survived by his son Patrick M. McCleary (Nancy),  grandchildren, Adam Greenblatt (Jenny), Kathleen McCleary, Cristin McCleary, Sean McCleary, and great-grandchildren, Russell Greenblatt, Graham Greenblatt and Holden Greenblatt.  

Ron was a very kind and generous man and thought he had been born lucky.  He loved to help others and gave to at least 40 charities each year. He had a love of animals also.  He spent a lifetime as an upstanding citizen and set a wonderful example for his family. In lieu of flowers he asked that anyone able, donate to the Salvation Army or the Humane Society.

His family will hold a private burial and celebration of his life per his request.

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