Thomas Francis Cleary

Our funny, caring, and loving Dad, Opa, and friend passed away peacefully Friday morning, March 28, 2025. Thomas Francis Cleary was born in Stuttgart, Germany on February 21, 1952, to parents Thomas and Gerda Cleary. Tom’s father served in the Army and the family eventually moved to Lakewood, Washington, where Tom grew up.  He was the oldest of three boys. He graduated from Lakes High School in 1971. After graduating, he started working for Manke Lumber Company, where he would eventually retire after 48 years. In 1973, he married his then-wife Barbara Moore and they had three children. In his younger years, he coached little league baseball and soccer and was an avid bowler.  He eventually found a passion for golf. Friends and family will remember him for his generosity, and for always making people laugh with his jokes and stories. The family is grateful to his friends and roommates, Stephanie and Jesse Cruz for providing him with wonderful care.  Tom is preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Gerda, younger brothers David (Youngla) and Jimmy, and his son-in-law Joe Jarzynka. His three children survive him: Thomas (Fern) Cleary, Jennifer (Joe) Jarzynka, and Mathew (Amber) Cleary, and five grandchildren: Peter Cleary, Madi & Fisher Jarzynka, and Nora & Rowen Cleary. He will be greatly missed, but rest assured, he already has a tee time at the Heaven Links Golf and Country Club.