Richard H. Cleary

Richard H. Cleary, 84, a lifelong resident of Springfield died at 9:40 p.m. on Sunday, September 10, 2006 at St. John’s Hospice. Richard was born on October 13, 1921 in Springfield, the son of Charles and Ellen Ducy Cleary. He married Nadine Haidinger on May 5, 1945 in Springfield. He was employed by Illini Motor Company for twenty-five years and then retired from the State of Illinois Central Management System in 1984. Richard was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. He was a member of Eagles Aerie 437, life member of Elks Lodge 158 and TRN Club from 1956 – 1974. He was a very social and outgoing gentleman who enjoyed dancing to Big Band Music on Saturday night with his wife, Nadine. He also enjoyed bowling, playing cards and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal Baseball fan. Richard was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters and two brothers. He is survived by his wife, Nadine Cleary of Springfield, two sons: Denny (wife, Barb) Cleary of Scottsdale, AZ and Timothy Cleary of Tustin, CA; three daughters: Nancy (husband, Dominic) Palazzolo of Downer’s Grove, Patricia (husband, Bill) Stack of Westminster, MD and Janet (husband, Jim) Taapken of Boulder, CO; eight grandchildren, one great grandson; one sister: Alice Cleary of Springfield and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family welcomes friends to visit from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 15, 2006 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St Springfield. Concelebrated Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 15, 2006 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut, Springfield with Reverend Michael Haag principal celebrant. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Hospice, 800 E. Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62702. The family of Richard H. Cleary is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.