Reverend Monsignor Kevin Cleary passed away on, Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at the age of 87 in Fresno, at the Nazareth House. Father Kevin was born and raised near Ennis, County Clare, Ireland. He attended All Hallows Seminary in Dublin and was ordained in June of 1948 for the Diocese of Monterey-Fresno. Father Kevin was given the honor of domestic prelate, becoming a Monsignor in 1968 while serving as pastor of St. Mary's Parish in Visalia.
He was pastor of The Shrine of St. Therese in Fresno, from 1970 to 1980. His last appointment was in St Ann Parish, Ridgecrest where he served from 1980 to his retirement. Father Kevin had a passion for family and taught us all life values in his own charming and gifted way. His work with the sick and deprived was very important to him. Father Kevin was an enthusiastic follower of sports and an avid golfer.
Father Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Timothy and Delia (Conway) Cleary and his sister, Sister Bridget Mary Cleary and his nephew Kevin. He is survived by his brother John Cleary, his sisters, Dorothy Cleary, Sister Perpetuo Kathleen Cleary and Ita Cleary, all of Ireland. Kevin was loved by his nieces and nephews, Kathleen, John, Maretta, Mairead and Martin and his thirteen grand nieces and nephews. He was comforted by his close friends Fr. Gerry Chavez, Christine and Bruce Simolon.
Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Friday, December 9, 2011, 11:00 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at The Shrine of St. Therese, Fresno, CA,
Interment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery, Fresno, CA
In lieu remembrances may be made to: The Priest's Retirement Fund of the Diocese of Fresno, 1550 North Fresno St., Fresno, CA 93703, or The Nazareth House, 2121 North First Street, Fresno, CA 93703.
Father Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Timothy and Delia (Conway) Cleary and his sister, Sister Bridget Mary Cleary and his nephew Kevin. He is survived by his brother John Cleary, his sisters, Dorothy Cleary, Sister Perpetuo Kathleen Cleary and Ita Cleary, all of Ireland. Kevin was loved by his nieces and nephews, Kathleen, John, Maretta, Mairead and Martin and his thirteen grand nieces and nephews. He was comforted by his close friends Fr. Gerry Chavez, Christine and Bruce Simolon.
Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Friday, December 9, 2011, 11:00 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at The Shrine of St. Therese, Fresno, CA,
Interment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery, Fresno, CA
In lieu remembrances may be made to: The Priest's Retirement Fund of the Diocese of Fresno, 1550 North Fresno St., Fresno, CA 93703, or The Nazareth House, 2121 North First Street, Fresno, CA 93703.