Milton Aubrey McCleary

A cherished husband, father, and grandfather, he left his loving family on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2006. The 70-year-old Baton Rougenative died of natural causes. Aubrey loved his family and absolutely adored his grandchildren. He loved people and they loved him. He will always be remembered for his laugh, which originated in his gut and could be heard on the other side of the building. He was a real estate attorney who originally joined ranks with Mr. Rolfe McCollister Sr. in 1962. They remained partners for more than 44 years. The law firm is now known as McCollister, McCleary and Fazio, APLC, and will continue on under the leadership of Thomas D. Fazio, whom he affectionately referred to as his "adopted son." In addition to the law firm, Aubrey founded McCleary Title Co., which will also continue in his honor. Aubrey practiced law and played golf until the end. He was preceded in death by his parents, M. Aubrey McCleary Sr. and Mary Kathryn Whitehead McCleary. Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 48 years, whom he treasured and loved dearly, Barbara Watts McCleary, five children, Tamra McCleary, Connie McCleary Svestka, Michael and spouse Jodi McCleary, Patrick McCleary, and Kevin and spouse Chris McCleary; and six grandchildren, Jared Svestka, and Gracie, Kyle, Mary Kathryn, Cameron and Matthew McCleary. He is survived by two brothers, Pat and Mike McCleary; and a sister, Kathy Womack; along with eight nieces and nephews and numerous family and friends. He was a lifetime member of Sherwood Forest Country Club. He proudly donated time to the St. Jude Dream Home and Our Lady of the Lake Children's Miracle Mansion. He was very proud to have recently been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from BRITA, an association of real estate attorneys practicing in the Baton Rouge area. This was a huge honor to him, having come from other practicing real estate attorneys. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, Our Lady of the Lake Children's Miracle Network or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Visiting at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Monday, Dec. 11, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visiting resumes at the funeral home Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m. until religious service at 10 a.m. Interment in Resthaven Gardens of Memory. Pallbearers will be Thomas Fazio, Stephen McCollister, Jack O'Neal, Joseph Tucker, S.M. "Bus" DiPalma and Mike Bruce.