Obituary for Francis J. Cleary
Francis James John Cleary, 87, of Little Falls, N.J., passed away peacefully in his home on January 21, 2023. Memorial visitation will be on Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 1-3 p.m. at Shook’s Cedar Grove Funeral Home, 486 Pompton Ave., Cedar Grove, N.J., with a service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Memories and condolences may be shared at shookscedargrove.com.
Born in Hoboken, N.J. to the late Patrick Bernard Cleary and Mary Sophia Cleary (nee: Buckley), Frank lived in Hoboken and Little Falls, N.J. He graduated from Demarest High School in Hoboken, N.J. in June 1954. He was a member of the United States Army, serving in the Korean Conflict until his Honorable Discharge in August, 1964. Frank was an office supervisor with John Hancock Insurance in West Orange, N.J for many years. Upon retirement, he moved onto insurance sales with Hanson & Ryan Insurance Agency in Totowa, N.J.
Frank made a difference in many lives for many years through his thoughtful and helpful nature. He went above-and-beyond to assist others in need and always showed his gratitude for great service. He made more than one waitress cry from his generous tips, and he regularly tipped the gas station attendant! Frank was a “foodie” before being a foodie was a thing. One of his favorite hobbies was frequenting new and favorite restaurants that he skillfully and carefully researched. He enjoyed (and over-enjoyed!) many delicious meals over the years and never met a dessert he didn’t love. He took beautiful photographs and enjoyed capturing images of flowers, nature, and special occasions and he often shared those memories with others. He also enjoyed vacationing and visited many beautiful locations throughout his life, including frequent trips to Maine for lobster and yearly visits to Delray Beach, Florida for La Villetta cheesecake. He loved sharing stories about his early days in Hoboken, especially colorful tales from when he owned a bar there.
Frank was a dear friend to many and enjoyed spending time with loved ones. He especially loved the holidays – Thanksgiving at Jen’s farmhouse and Lucille’s “Seven Fish” Christmas Eve dinner. He jumped at any chance to visit Connecticut to see Joey and Julia’s sports and school events. Frank made sure others were always celebrated and recognized and he never forgot a birthday or anniversary. The scent of Old Spice will always be reminiscent of Frank and his meticulous attention to his appearance. Above all, Frank enjoyed doing for others and his generous nature has left a mark on many peoples’ lives and hearts over the years. He had the opportunity to reach out and thank many of the special people in his life before he passed and that was very important to him. There’s no doubt that his Heaven looks something like relaxing on the deck of Casa Bella on a beautiful spring evening, drinking Sambuca, and enjoying the company of those he loves. Cheers to Frank!
Frank is survived by his sister, Pauline, and her husband, Frank Vidolin, his brother, John Cleary and his wife, Forsetta, as well as many nieces and nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Rita, and her husband, Jack Burke, his brother, William Cleary, and his wife, Patricia, and his sister, Patsy, and her husband, August Ghelli. Additionally, he shared many wonderful moments with his chosen family: Lucille Bellino and Lucille’s daughters, “Frank’s girls,” and their families - Jennifer Bellino, and her partner, Jim Greene, and her two children, Joseph and Julia Winakor, Carmen Camean, and her husband, Roberto, and Larissa Bellino.
Frank will fondly be remembered and treasured for the love and care he provided to many over his lifetime. He was a very special man.
“The people who make the biggest difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money or the most awards. They are simply the ones who care the most.” ~ Steve Gilliland
Born in Hoboken, N.J. to the late Patrick Bernard Cleary and Mary Sophia Cleary (nee: Buckley), Frank lived in Hoboken and Little Falls, N.J. He graduated from Demarest High School in Hoboken, N.J. in June 1954. He was a member of the United States Army, serving in the Korean Conflict until his Honorable Discharge in August, 1964. Frank was an office supervisor with John Hancock Insurance in West Orange, N.J for many years. Upon retirement, he moved onto insurance sales with Hanson & Ryan Insurance Agency in Totowa, N.J.
Frank made a difference in many lives for many years through his thoughtful and helpful nature. He went above-and-beyond to assist others in need and always showed his gratitude for great service. He made more than one waitress cry from his generous tips, and he regularly tipped the gas station attendant! Frank was a “foodie” before being a foodie was a thing. One of his favorite hobbies was frequenting new and favorite restaurants that he skillfully and carefully researched. He enjoyed (and over-enjoyed!) many delicious meals over the years and never met a dessert he didn’t love. He took beautiful photographs and enjoyed capturing images of flowers, nature, and special occasions and he often shared those memories with others. He also enjoyed vacationing and visited many beautiful locations throughout his life, including frequent trips to Maine for lobster and yearly visits to Delray Beach, Florida for La Villetta cheesecake. He loved sharing stories about his early days in Hoboken, especially colorful tales from when he owned a bar there.
Frank was a dear friend to many and enjoyed spending time with loved ones. He especially loved the holidays – Thanksgiving at Jen’s farmhouse and Lucille’s “Seven Fish” Christmas Eve dinner. He jumped at any chance to visit Connecticut to see Joey and Julia’s sports and school events. Frank made sure others were always celebrated and recognized and he never forgot a birthday or anniversary. The scent of Old Spice will always be reminiscent of Frank and his meticulous attention to his appearance. Above all, Frank enjoyed doing for others and his generous nature has left a mark on many peoples’ lives and hearts over the years. He had the opportunity to reach out and thank many of the special people in his life before he passed and that was very important to him. There’s no doubt that his Heaven looks something like relaxing on the deck of Casa Bella on a beautiful spring evening, drinking Sambuca, and enjoying the company of those he loves. Cheers to Frank!
Frank is survived by his sister, Pauline, and her husband, Frank Vidolin, his brother, John Cleary and his wife, Forsetta, as well as many nieces and nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Rita, and her husband, Jack Burke, his brother, William Cleary, and his wife, Patricia, and his sister, Patsy, and her husband, August Ghelli. Additionally, he shared many wonderful moments with his chosen family: Lucille Bellino and Lucille’s daughters, “Frank’s girls,” and their families - Jennifer Bellino, and her partner, Jim Greene, and her two children, Joseph and Julia Winakor, Carmen Camean, and her husband, Roberto, and Larissa Bellino.
Frank will fondly be remembered and treasured for the love and care he provided to many over his lifetime. He was a very special man.
“The people who make the biggest difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money or the most awards. They are simply the ones who care the most.” ~ Steve Gilliland