William John Cleary

William John Cleary, 65, of Sandwich, Massachusetts, passed away on May 31, 2026, at Cape Cod Hospital, surrounded by those he loved most. He was born in Norwood, Massachusetts, on November 22, 1960, to the late Paul and Eva Cleary.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Cleary, with whom he shared 39 years of marriage; his children, Alexa Cleary Townsend, Micheala Cleary, and Sean Cleary; his siblings, Kathy Barrett, Mary Kiely, Ellen Cleary, and Timothy Cleary; and his four adored grandchildren, Acre, Eva, Milo, and Larken. He was predeceased by his brother, John Cleary.

William, or "Bill," grew up in Norwood, Massachusetts, and graduated from Norwood High School. He went on to attend the University of Miami, where he earned a degree in Communications. After a short stint exploring the West Coast, he returned to Massachusetts and met his future wife, Lisa, at Franco's in Norwood, where they were both waiters. Lisa and Bill married in 1987 and went on to raise their children in Mansfield, Massachusetts while Bill built a career in business. He spent his final years in the place he loved most: Cape Cod.

Those who knew Bill will remember a beloved presence marked by compassion and a kind heart, a steady willingness to work hard for the people and responsibilities he held close, and a sense of humor that could light up any room. He wasn’t ever too far from a Heineken and always had a wisecrack at the ready. When you spent time with Bill, you were laughing.

His generosity of spirit was perhaps his most cherished quality. Through his love of cooking and his warm demeanor, Bill ensured that his home was open to all. He created not just a place, but a feeling — one where everyone was welcome. You could head to the Clearys' for some of Bill's famous buffalo chicken casserole and spend the night hashing out your latest relationship dilemma or seeking career advice. He brought this same spirit to the Family Pantry of Cape Cod, where he was adored by guests and volunteers alike. Everyone wanted to be in "Bill's house."

As his children, we can't help but reminisce about his mischievous sense of humor, which he certainly passed on to us. Whether he was serving potatoes disguised as "cinnamon apples" or chasing his grandchildren around with a flour-white face as Vampire Papa, he was always in on the joke. A few laughs may not seem like much, but when we look back on our dad, we realize that his playfulness was everything. He enlivened every room and gave us all a reason to smile.

Although his life was cut short, Bill soaked up every year he was given. He recently took up watercolor lessons. In his 50s, he discovered a love for travel and journeyed with his family to Ireland, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. His final years were devoted to his grandchildren, all of whom he baptized in the kitchen sink as a devoted Catholic. We often joked that he was a kid himself. Whether he was showering his grandkids with candy, sneaking a too-short child onto a roller coaster, or swapping bedtime stories for spooky tales, he was happiest with a little hand and a big laugh.

Thank you for all the laughs, Bill, Willy, Dad, and Papa. Now, "go have some fun playing in Heaven." Your grandkids insist.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Catherine of Siena, 549 Washington Street, Norwood, Massachusetts, on June 6, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow at Lafayette House, 109 Washington Street, Foxborough, Massachusetts, beginning at 12:00 p.m.