Robert Paul McCleary

Robert Paul McCleary, 85, of Lincoln University, PA, passed away peacefully in the home he built, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born to the late Paul Blake McCleary and Dorothy Elizabeth (née Strahorn) McCleary, Robert was the devoted husband of 60 years to his beloved wife, Phyllis Jane (née Winland) McCleary.

Robert was a proud graduate of Avon Grove High School in West Grove, PA, Class of 1958. Following high school, he served in the Delaware National Guard. When his father’s health began to fail, Robert answered the call to return home and help care for his family and the farm.

It was while skating at the Maryland Roller Rink that Robert met the woman who would become the love of his life. Phyllis was drawn to his skating skills, and that chance meeting blossomed into a beautiful marriage and 59 years of love and companionship.

Bob was a strong, quiet man who believed in hard work and leading by example. He spent his days working on the assembly line at the Chrysler auto plant before returning home to tend his 120-acre family farm. His children fondly remember being put to bed at night while watching their father head back out into the fields to finish his work. His strong work ethic became one of the greatest lessons he passed on to his children.

Robert also owned and operated McCleary Lawn and Tree Service, working alongside his son, Tim. Whether at the factory, on the farm, or working with his son, Robert was happiest when he was busy, providing for and caring for those he loved.

In his quieter moments, Robert enjoyed sitting on his back porch watching the birds, a simple pleasure he continued to enjoy until the end of his life. He also had an appreciation for coin collecting. In his younger years, he shared his love of racing with his son, spending time at the Cecil County Drag Strip and racing his Ford Comet. One of his most memorable races was against his own son—and, much to his son’s delight, Bob didn’t win that one.

Robert will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering work ethic, love of family, and the life he built with his own hands. His presence will be deeply missed, but the lessons he taught, the memories he created, and the love he gave will remain with his family forever.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his brother, David Blake McCleary; sister, Joan Elizabeth Blest.

He is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis Jane McCleary; his children, Tim McCleary and his wife, Michelle, his granddaughter, Rae McCleary; and Jennifer Tutton and her husband, Scott, and his grandson, Nate Tutton.

A celebration of Robert’s life will be held on the family farm at a later date.