Richard C. McCleary

Dick was the third of six children – five boys and one girl – born to Paul and Caroline McCleary and graduated from Perry High School in 1951. While working at Delp’s Restaurant Equipment Company, he completed evening drafting courses at Carnegie Technical Institute (now Carnegie Mellon University) to provide layout and technical services to its customers.

In 1958, he met his wife, Claire Marie Funk, also born and raised in Pittsburgh. After extensive research on growing markets, Dick was drawn to Houston by its growth and opportunity. Dick and Claire married in July 1961 and, immediately following their wedding reception, drove their tiny Renault Dauphin car from Pittsburgh to begin their life together in Houston … packed with big aspirations, modest belongings and the top layer of their wedding cake.

Dick was hired by industry icon Ralph Mulhauser and joined the foodservice facility design practice of Mulhauser, Holmes and Riggs, where he earned partnership after two years. In 1973, Dick decided to further elevate the level of independent practice and Ralph (then age 70) joined him in a new company, Mulhauser/McCleary Associates, Inc. (“M/MA”), which became the second-largest company of its kind in the U.S.

M/MA and Dick’s successor company, The McCleary Partnership, completed over 4,000 foodservice facility planning, design and consulting assignments nationwide, with teams and clients that included ExxonMobil, Texas Medical Center, USAA, Motorola, University of Texas System, Texas A&M University System, Prudential, and Conoco. Among his many accolades, Dick was especially honored to earn selection to be among the initial members of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (“ISHC”).

In 2004, Dick wound down his consulting practice, retired, upgraded his title from “CEO” to “Gramps”, and with Claire (“Gran”) was a tireless, devoted and loving advocate and rock for his grandson, Trip, across multiple cities over two decades.

Dick was known and respected for his intelligence, quick wit, curiosity, professionalism, optimism, generosity and care. He is deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Dick is predeceased by his parents, Paul D. McCleary, Sr. and Caroline Reutter McCleary and his brothers Paul D. McCleary, Jr. and Thomas J. McCleary. He is survived by his wife, Claire F. McCleary; his son, Paul D. McCleary II and daughter-in-law Cheryl Redman McCleary, his grandchildren Paul D. “Trip” McCleary III, Sidney Primm and Mekenzie Primm; siblings Marilyn Kennedy; David McCleary and his wife Edie McCleary; Jack McCleary and his wife, Nancy Golden; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

The memorial service is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 7th of September, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

Immediately following, all are invited to a reception with the family in the adjacent grand foyer.

Prior to the service, the family will have gathered for a private entombment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association, 6055 S Loop E, Houston, TX 77087, https://www.alz.org/texas.

Please visit Dick’s online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com where fond memories and words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family. You may also click the “receive updates” icon to be notified of additional details as they are made available.