John Francis Cleary Jr, affectionately known as “Mr. Wonderful” of Worton, MD passed away on July 29, 2026 surrounded by his loving family at home. He was 82.

John was born on February 14, 1944 in Bayonne, NJ, son of the late John Francis Cleary and Catherine Regina Cleary nee Stanton. He was raised in Leonardo, NJ, Edgewood, MD, and Wilmington Manor, DE and was a graduate of the University of Delaware with a B.A. in Biology. From 1966-1968 he served in the U.S. Army. After his honorable discharge he worked in several factories throughout the shore while raising his children. Later he went back to nursing school and became a psychiatric charge registered nurse, retiring from the State of Maryland after 20 years of hospital service. He had a gift of treating everyone the same and was especially gifted in serving patients with mental health concerns.

As a young man he volunteered at the Wilmington Manor VFC. John was a nature lover and enjoyed watching and identifying birds. He volunteered for many years at the Eastern Neck national wildlife refuge. Mr. Wonderful enjoyed sailing, fishing, swimming, travel, table tennis, nature walks, and ice cream. He loved to laugh with family and friends and was often heard saying “No Fools, No Fun”.

Along with his parents he was preceded in death by a step-son, Chris Garside.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Pamela M. Cleary; 4 children, Ann Stanton Cleary (Ignacio Genzon) of Los Angeles, CA, John Francis Cleary III of Bethel, DE, Catherine Regina Cleary Dongarra (Sharon Dongarra) of Baltimore, MD, David Michael Cleary of Bethel, DE, the mother of his children, Patricia Ann Kough nee Lawrie of Bethel, DE; a brother Michael Cleary of Tucson, AZ; sisters Mary Ann Beck of Malvern, PA and Gwen VanSciver of Malvern, PA; 6 grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to the Samaritan Group of Kent County. https://www.samaritangroupofkentcounty.org/

arrangements by Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech