March 8, 1921 – March 10, 2015
It is with great sadness that we report the sudden passing of Joe Cleary two days after his 94th birthday.
Joe was born in Los Angeles and graduated from Loyola High School, Class of ’39. Soon after, Joe enrolled in the California Maritime Academy in Vallejo, California.
During WWII Joe commanded several Liberty class ships. After Joe’s time at sea, he and his new bride, Mary Ann De Coursey, settled in Santa Monica/Pacific Palisades and started raising their two sons, Tim and Philip.
He owned Palisades Lumber and after 30 years in the lumber and hardware business in Santa Monica and Malibu, Joe and his longtime partner sold the business.
After 43 years of a wonderful marriage, Mary Ann passed on. Joe later married Barbara Brethauer of Oakland, California and resided in Palm Desert.
They enjoyed 25 years of a loving marriage by traveling, visiting their kids and grandkids and golfing. Barbara passed away in 2013.
Joe is survived by his son Tim, his wife Barbara along with her daughter Julie Frago and son Todd Borman.
He is also survived by son Philip, his wife Kimberly and their kids Joe, Shea, Conway and Mary Ann.
Joe will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He was “One Hell of a Guy.”
Services are to be held at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Culver City at 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2015 in the Chapel of the Risen Christ.
In lieu of flowers or donations, please perform a random act of kindness for some really deserving individual and please mention that this kind act is in memory of “Good Ol’ Joe Cleary.”
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