Remembering Bill Cleary
William J. Cleary, Jr., M.D., joined the Board of Directors of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society soon after he retired from his career in medicine. He impressed me immediately with his intellectual curiosity, matter-of-fact demeanor, and genuine interest in what MVHS was doing with our mission. That interest parlayed into two nine-year stints on the Historical Society’s Board, and two terms as President, from 2002-2006 and then 2012-2014.
During Bill’s first term as MVHS President, I learned more about his involvement in the Rotary Club of Youngstown. Our Historical Society partnered with Youngstown Rotarians in 2004 to develop an exhibit at the Arms Family Museum to commemorate Rotary International’s Centennial, and our club’s 90th anniversary, the following February. As our plans developed and we began to research the club’s and R.I.’s history, I knew I wanted to become a Rotarian. I approached Bill with my desire, and his response was positive and yet infused with a sense of scrutiny. Such a reaction didn’t surprise me, as I was aware of his well-developed Roman Catholic faith and I was an adult convert to the Church ten years prior. What is meaningful that cannot be both celebrated and scrutinized?
Bill was my sponsor when I applied for membership in the Rotary Club of Youngstown. Before I entered the club in October 2004, he shared in no uncertain terms his advice and expectations on how to be a meaningful and contributing Rotarian. His counsel served me well over the past 17 years.
Bill Cleary was perhaps the most well-balanced, and therefore healthy, person I’ve known. He was meticulous, organized, direct, and an accomplished parliamentarian (the words “you’re out of order” were not uncommon in meetings over which he presided). He enjoyed his fish stories, though not as much as being in streams and on lakes catching them. His home and gardens were a reflection of all of his qualities and interests, and most welcoming. He was at once a socially adept and an intensely private person. He interested himself the uniqueness of friends and acquaintances, and accepted and respected all people for who they are.
He cared about his community, and shared his talents generously as a physician, parishioner, policymaker and volunteer. Bill Cleary was to me a gifted colleague, mentor, friend, and fellow Rotarian. As we grieve, let’s take comfort and inspiration in his life that was so well lived. - Bill Lawson