Walter W. McCleary, affectionately known as “Walt,” passed away peacefully on October 18, 2026, at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, at the age of 72. He was a longtime resident of Brooklawn.

Born on August 15, 1954, in Philadelphia to the late Walter McCleary and Joann McDonald McCleary, Walt grew up in National Park and graduated from Gateway Regional High School, Class of 1973.

Walt is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Julie A. McCleary (née Robinson); his beloved son, Walter “Mick” McCleary and his wife, Lisa (nee Parry); his sister, Margarete Sampson (John); his nephews, David Robinson and Stephen Robinson (Lyndsey); and his nieces, Summer West and Lindsey Kyprianou.

Walt was funny, quick-witted, and never short on sarcasm. He liked to give the impression that he was gruff, but those who knew him knew how deeply he loved and how loyal he was to the people he cared about.

Walt and Julie were best friends and partners in everything. He was always ready to go somewhere, try something new, or find a good meal. He brought adventure into their life together, encouraging Julie to venture out and experience things she might never have tried on her own.

A talented mechanic who could fix just about anything, Walt worked on cars and trucks for more than 30 years and owned and operated his own auto repair shop for a period of time. He was also a safety technician for Total Safety for 15 years. He took pride in working with his hands, a talent that extended to his lifelong love of music.

An accomplished trumpet player and drummer, Walt was a longtime member of the Bonsal Blues Concert, Marching and Dance Band, the Pitman Hobo Band, and the Friday Night Brass Band. Jazz was a particular passion, and the music of Maynard Ferguson, Doc Severson, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles Davis were among his favorites.

Walt enjoyed good food and wine, whether he was dining out, wine tasting, cooking, or tending the grill. His interests also included fishing, car racing, boating, collecting antique trains, and cheering on Philadelphia’s sports teams. Above all, he enjoyed sharing those experiences with family and friends.

Walt will be deeply missed for his humor, his loyalty, his many talents, and the love behind that gruff exterior. Life with him was never dull, and those who loved him will have plenty of stories to keep telling.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon at McCann–Healey Funeral Home, 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City. A Celebration of Walt’s Life will begin at noon at the funeral home. Interment will be private.

(Memorial donation information will be updated by Wednesday)

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Walter William McCleary.

Funeral arrangements and inquiries through McCann–Healey Funeral Home, Gloucester City, at 856-456-1142.