Ronald L. McCleary

Ronald L. McCleary

September 19, 1929    December 26, 2020

     Ronald L. McCleary, 91, rural Hollidaysburg, passed away Saturday morning, December 26, 2020 at UPMC Altoona.

     He was born in Altoona, son of the late James W. and Lillie E. (Wertz) McCleary and was raised in the home of Francis and Vesta Thomas owners of Thomas Lumber.  On December 8, 1949 he married Marie B. Campbell in Hagerstown, MD and she preceded him in death on November 5, 1994.

     Surviving are two daughters: Linda M. Beck (Bill) of rural Hollidaysburg and Barbara L. Brubaker (Larry) of California, MD; a son, James W. McCleary (Kellie) of rural Hollidaysburg; five grandsons: Michael Snyder (Diana), Matthew Beck, James McCleary (Chasity), Andrew McCleary and Corey Brubaker (Mary Ashley); eight great-grandchildren: Hayden, Tegan, Nicole, Ryan, Mason, Jade, Ellie and Dane; two siblings: Melvin R. McCleary of Harrisville and Carol A. Berry of rural Altoona; and a special friend, Colleen Barazotto of Hollidaysburg.

     Ron attended the Hollidaysburg area schools and for many years attended St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Hollidaysburg.

     He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War serving with Company D, 7th  Infantry Regiment; 3rd Infantry Division from 1948 until 1952, attaining the rank of Corporal.  Ron retired from Ward Trucking Corporation, Altoona after 28 years, where he was a member of the W.W. Ward Retiree’s Club. Following retirement, he was employed as a hearse driver for Johnstown Hearse Service, serving funeral homes throughout central Pennsylvania, for 28 years.

     Ron was a member of many organizations including: Portage Lodge #220 F. & A.M., Hollidaysburg; Mount Moriah Royal Arch Chapter #166, Hollidaysburg, serving as past High Priest in 1993; Altoona Consistory Valley of Altoona; Jaffa Temple Shrine, Altoona, where he served in the Legion of Honor and was past president of the Jaffa Ushers; and National Infantry Association.

     He was a lifetime member of: the Society of the 3rd Infantry Division; the 7th Infantry Regiment; the 24th Infantry Division; Fort Fetter American Legion Post 516, Hollidaysburg; Duncansville V.F.W. Post 8724; Korean War Veterans Association; and life sponsor of Knight Templar Eye Foundation.  Ron was also instrumental in the planning and completion of the Korean War Veteran’s Memorial in Frankstown Township Memorial Park.

      A funeral mass following CDC guidelines will be held at 10am, Thursday, December 31, 2020 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Hollidaysburg, Father Alan Thomas celebrant. A private interment will follow at Presbyterian Cemetery, Hollidaysburg.  Arrangements are under the direction of John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Martinsburg.

     At the request of the family, please no flowers.  Memorial contributions in memory of Ron can be given to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2200 Broad Ave., Altoona, PA 16601.