Farrell Newton Mccleary

On Saturday, October 16, 2021, Farrell Newton McCleary, of Pamlico County NC, loving husband and father of three daughters, passed away at age 83.

Farrell was born on July 28, 1938 in Johnstown, PA to Newton and Rose (McGough) McCleary. On July 1, 1959 he married childhood sweetheart Helen (McAndrews) McCleary, married 63 years. They raised three daughters, Karen Ann, Theresa Marie, and Christina Lynne.

As a young man in Johnstown, PA Farrell made many memories with many friends. One of his most notorious stories was driving through the mountains in his personal hearse to their favorite hangout, Wagon Wheels Dance Hall, many an eyebrow were raised.

He worked hard to support his young family as a cross-country truck driver, eventually settling in South Plainfield, NJ. Farrell had a gift of being able to talk to anyone about anything and was often a flirt with the ladies, but was always faithful, loyal and supportive of his true love, Helen. A passion for gardening, he kept active tending to his flowers and when not in the yard, he had the ability to fix anything that was broken. He could frequently be found in a Bingo hall with Helen yelling “skinny legs” (B11) or other Bingo lingo. A cup of hot tea and a good TV show rounded out most of his days.

As Farrell takes his final hearse ride, he was preceded in death by his father, Newton; his mother, Rose; and brother, Robert.

He is survived by his wife Helen; his three children, Karen Richard (Russell), Theresa Burgher (Lincoln), and Christina McCleary; his sisters, Darlene Vance (Richard) and Judith McCleary; grandchildren, Cortney Allen, Jason Devine (Jo), Jeffrey Devine (Ariel), Tara Feldman (Jon), and Cedar Thorn; great grandchildren, Kai, Jizyah, and Hunter; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Pamlico County Hospice, PO Box 6, Bayboro, NC 28515.