Robert Michael Cleary of Newport, RI passed away on December 2, 2025, after a short illness.
Bob was born in Newport on November 26, 1934. He spent his early years on the Point before moving to 24 Dean Ave. Bob graduated from De La Salle in Newport. He served in both the Army and the Air Force. After discharge from active service, he moved home to Dean Ave and worked the rest of his career at the Naval Station Newport.
After retiring from the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, he worked as a part-time driver at Salve Regina University. Bob was a lifelong parishioner of St. Mary’s Church and served as an usher for many years. Family and Faith were his first loves, but the stock market was a close second. Bob enjoyed his retirement by traveling (he visited Medjugorje multiple times), helping family, and maintaining his portfolio.
He is preceded in death by his parents John and Mary (Hurley) Cleary, his brother John Cleary, and his brother-in-law Michael D. Keating.
He is survived by his brother Daniel Cleary of Newport, sister Catherine Keating of Newport and brother Paul Cleary (Kathleen Cleary) of West Hartford, CT. Bob will also be deeply missed by his many nieces, nephews, and their children.
Bob’s family would like to thank the staff of the Village House for their excellent care.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 8th, from 9:00 AM-10:30 AM at the O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring St, Newport. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church in Newport. Burial with Military Honors, St. Columba Cemetery, 465 Browns Ln, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to St. Mary’s Church, PO Box 547, Newport, RI 02840, https://www.stmarynewportri.org/How-to-Donate.
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