John V. Cleary

Selkirk- At 93 years young, John Vernon Cleary passed away on August 24, 2026 after a battle with lymphoma. While the cancer may have taken him from us, it can never take away the incredible life he lived or the love he gave us.

More than anything, he loved his wife of 56 years, Roberta A. Cleary, and his family. They were his greatest pride and joy. John worked for Grand Cash Market and retired from ShopRite after 45 years. Along with his wife, he managed Roberta’s Gift Shop. John was also a proud United States Army veteran.

He was happiest when everyone was together and he was doing what he did best—being the family manager, making sure he knew what everyone was doing, where they were going, and that they were safe. A visit often began with a genuine greeting of saying your name in a way that made you feel truly seen. His legendary welcome and simple, hilarious sense of humor will be deeply missed.

He loved horse racing, the New York Giants, gardening, and simply enjoying life. His rich legacy is the people he loved, the laughter he created, the garden he tended, and the family he proudly built and managed right until the end. His 93 years of stories, laughs, traditions, and memories will carry on with his family.

We will love and miss you forever. We’ll try to keep everything running here without you.

In addition to his loving wife, Roberta, John is survived by his children: Jack (Carol) Cleary, Thomas (Marlene) Frankovic Jr., Denise Ward (Jesse Sutton), Joseph (Heather) Frankovic, Theresa Cleary (Christopher Weber), and Roberta Cleary (Kenneth Bovia, BFF).

He was the proud grandfather of Thomas Frankovic III, Derrick Ward, Devan Cleary, Michael Cleary, Danielle Frankovic, Brittney Murray, Kaitlyn Stein, Madealyn Frankovic, Dayna Ward, Joseph Frankovic Jr., Maxwell Cleary, and McKenzie Bovia, as well as 16 great-grandchildren.

John is also survived by his sister, Arlene Smith, and his brothers, James (Charlotte) Cleary, and Donald (Shirlee) Cleary.

He was predeceased by his mother, Emma Regina (Murphy) Cleary, as well as eight sisters and three brothers.

Services will be private.

For those wishing to honor John’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.