Support the Cleary Family in Their Time of Loss

Please help us support the Cleary family in their time of loss.

Update: The family is touched by all the amazing support that has been received so far. We have increased our goal to $30,000. The funds raised will go directly towards covering funeral expenses, easing the immediate financial burden on the family. Beyond this, your generosity will also provide essential support for Penelope as she navigates raising their young children on her own, while also working to stay in their home.

Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference in helping this family through their grief and ensure they can begin to rebuild their lives. Your support means the world to Penelope and her family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Phillip Ryan Cleary, 36, passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2024, in South Holland, Illinois.

Phil was born on July 19, 1988 in Palos Heights, Illinois to Phillip Otto Cleary and Pamela Jo (Hearn) Shaw.

Phil was preceded in death by his mother, Pamela Jo (Hearn) Shaw and grandparents, Gary Ernst, Arlene Cleary, Phillip Roy Cleary, Anthony Carman, and Lawrence Hearn.

Left to cherish the memory of Phil is his loving wife, Penelope (Winke) Cleary; children, Adallise Winke, Annika Cleary, Phillip P. Cleary, and Peter Cleary; father, Phillip Otto Cleary; mother, Tammy Cleary; siblings, Brandy (Adam) Albers, Jovonna (Robyn) Moore, Lillith (Luis) Zazueta, Brent (Jessica) Shaw, and Megan (Micah) Barnes, and grandparents, H. Kay Ernst, Myrna Hearn, and Robert (Ann) Rhodes.

Phil was an avid weightlifter who pushed himself to do his personal best. He was a man whose strength was matched by his wit, and whose sense of humor brought light into the lives of all who knew him.

Phil was a man deeply rooted in his faith, with an unwavering certainty in the presence and love of God, which guided him through every step of his life.

A loving husband and great dad, Phil had a knack for involving himself wholeheartedly in every aspect of his children's lives. As a playful and involved father, he left an indelible mark on his children, nurturing them with love, intelligence, and the spirit of inquiry. Phil loved to bike ride, skateboard, and be chased around in intense games of tag with his children. His home resonated with the stories he read to his children, a testament to his passion for learning and sharing knowledge.

Phil's enduring devotion to his wife, Penelope, was the cornerstone of his life. They shared a love so deep, spending every possible moment together, turning ordinary days into treasured memories. Together, they explored life's simple pleasures—strolling through their favorite parks, feeling the sand beneath their feet on beachside walks, and bike rides. They found harmony in their shared voices, singing along to the radio together.

Phil's insatiable curiosity about the inner workings of the world drove him to tinker and to create, building not just things, but also building the foundation for his family’s future. He maintained an admirable balance, working full time while simultaneously pursuing his bachelor's degree—a feat that spoke to his driven nature.

Even with life's myriad responsibilities, Phil never lost his childlike wonder and eagerness to learn. His intelligence shone brightly as he taught those around him, drawing them into a world of understanding that will continue to be explored in his honor.

Phil will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered by all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

A private family visitation for Phil will be on Friday, September 27, 2024, from 11:00am to 12:00pm. Public visitation will be from 12:00pm to 1:00pm with a Funeral Service to be held at 1:00pm at Brown Funeral Home, 521 East Main St. Niles, MI 49120. Burial will immediately follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home.

Photos, condolences, and memories may be left for Phil’s family at: https://www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com/obituaries/Phillip-Ryan-Cleary?obId=33197889

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to this fundraiser to help Penelope “Penny” and her children during this difficult time.