Denis Joseph Cleary

Denny Cleary, age 72, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family, on Sunday, July 20, 2014. Denny grew up in The Bronx, New York to Joseph and Hannah Cleary. He graduated from Fordham Preparatory High School and at age 16 moved to Seattle where he met the love of his life, Aileen Lackie. Denny earned his undergraduate degree in English and History and later his Masters in Counseling, both from Seattle University. He devoted over 42 years in the field of education, as a teacher and counselor. He taught 7th and 8th grade at Tyee Junior High in Bellevue, WA, and 8th grade at both Shuksan and Whatcom Middle Schools.

Denny was passionate about helping students and their families. He had a natural gift for connecting with people and making them feel valued. He received a Shining Star award from the Bellingham School District for being a founding member and 21 year contributor to the Mobile Response Team, an organization that helps students and staff cope in times of crisis. Denny’s greatest love was his family. Whether he was watching one of his grandkids’ sporting events, fishing at Lake Padden, or flying kites at the Oregon coast, being with family is what mattered most to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Joseph “Mickey” Cleary. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Aileen, his son Joe (Amy) Cleary, daughters Maureen (Gary) Hodge, and Jennifer (Mark) Runnals, grandchildren, Ryan, Kellen, Riley, Caitlin, Brendan, Hannah and Liam and sisters Patricia Hayes and Eileen (Patrick) Donahue and many loving family and friends.

Since Denny was devoted to helping those with mental illness, the family suggests donations to the Whatcom County chapter of N.A.M.I (National Alliance on Mental Illness) PO Box 4124, 1212 Indian St., Bellingham, WA 98225. A Vigil Service will be held at Church of the Assumption at 7pm on Thursday, July 24th. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Church of the Assumption at 10:30 am on Friday, July 25th. A reception will follow at Westford’s Broadway Hall, 1300 Broadway.

Denny was an honest, unassuming and genuinely good person who touched the lives of many. He leaves a lasting legacy of taking the high road and finding the good in all.