Robert E. McCleary

Robert E. McCleary affectionately known as Mac was born Januray 4, 1931 in York Pennsylvania. He died September 1, 2016.  He is survived by his wife of 40 years Audrey McCleary and his house guest and friend Spike. Mac has 4 sons Robert Jr., Charles, Paul and Eddie McCleary and 5 grandchildren.  Step Sons Kevin and John Glorioso, step daughter Anglea Bishop. 

Mac served In the United States Army 24^th Infantry division during the Korean War. His service career started May 16, 1950 at Camp Gordon, Ga. and was honorably discharged August 1956. During his service career the following medals and decorations were earned.

Army occupation Medal Germany, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal , Korean Service Medal,  6 Bronze SVO Stars , Bronze Star medal , Distinguished Unit Emblem, Presidential Unit Citation and Merit Unit Citation.

September 4, 1957 Mac was appointed to the Baltimore City Fire Department and was pensioned June 6, 1980 as a Fire communications officer.  In 1980 Mac and his wife Audrey moved to Port Charlotte Florida and took up permanent residence.  With his love of the Fire department he served as the chairman of the board for the El Jo Bean Vol Fire Department. 

He then went to work for John Grother at the Country store an soon struck a friendship that would last the rest of his life.  John introduced Mac to bowling which would change his life forever. Bowling was his passion and part of his everyday life. He shared his skills by coaching children during the summer and never expected anything in return. Later in his life he participated in the senior Olympics Bowling tournament and won the right to represent Charlotte county in the state finals. He accomplished this several times and was to represent Charlotte County in 2016. Throughout the years Mac and Audrey made many friends at Bowl land and Treasure Lanes. He would often joke to family and friends when he died he wanted to die bowling.  God granted Mac this wish he is smiling saying I went out doing what I loved, bowling. Mac touched everyone’s life he came in contact with his infectious smile and his kind and gentle nature. He always said when he passed he didn’t want anyone to mourn but to celebrate life and be happy. He will be missed by his wife Audrey and family and all the friends that he made family over the years.