Rodney McCleary

Rodney Parker McCleary. Sr. was born in Stockton, California to the late Homer and Ruby McCleary on July 15, 1947. He graduated from Manteca Union High School in 1965 and married his neighbor, the love of his life, Brenna on December 22, 1967.

Rod is preceded in death by his wife Brenna of 51 wonderful years, parents Homer and Ruby McCleary and his son Rodney McCleary, Jr. He is survived by his daughter Darci (Damon)Eisenga and grandchildren, Meagan (Cody) Gleason, Morgan (Tyler)Brown, Tyler (Ashley) McCleary, and Mekenna Eisenga and great-grandsons Parker McCleary, Ryder McCleary and Bennett Gleason. Oh how he loved his children, grandchildren and those special three great-grandsons. He always enjoyed attending their activities and sporting events.  In addition, Rod is survived by his siblings Stacy McCleary (Danell) and Robin Meglan (Jim).

Some of Rod’s cherished memories in life was when he won the first place award in high school from Cunningham-Raymus Builders for the house plans he drew. He so wanted to be an architect but joined the Navy instead. Another very fond memory was the year that Gary Noland (pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds) lived in Manteca. Gary was the pitcher and Rod was his catcher. Oh, what memories they had. While in the Navy he told all his buddies this story so they all went to the Padres-Cincinnati game and low and behold Gary yelled up to the stands “Hi Rod, How you doing?” All the sailors went crazy! They did not think that “little buddy” really knew or even was Gary’s catcher at one time. Rod was a very sentimental man that enjoyed most everything and everybody.

After high school Rod attended San Joaquin Delta College for one semester, worked at Tracy Defense Depot, Sharpe Army Depot and then Manteca Golf Course. Oh how he loved the game of golf and was very good at it. In 1967 he enlisted in the Navy and the officers he served with always wanted him to play on their team but he had to say he was a college student (couldn’t mention he was an enlisted man). After serving his 4 year he came home to help support his mother and siblings and run the family business, McCleary Plastering since his father was ill, from 1970-1993 when she closed the business.

He regained Mccleary Plastering in 1994 after getting the license and was owner/operator until his retirement in 2004 after having his fourth back surgery. He was one of the best Plaster Contractors in the business. If anyone wanted to build their own home they would want Rod to be the plasterer. It might take him longer since he was a one man, one helper show, but it was well worth the wait. He took great pride in all that he undertook in life, a quality that is sometimes hard to find those days.

Rod enjoyed woodworking, gardening hunting, fishing, camping taking cruises, playing cards, and going to the local high school sporting events. He belonged to McFall Grisham American Legion Post 249 where he was the Finance Officer for over 30 years. He worked hours every month on their books, keeping them in tip-top shape. He could give you up-to-date figures on anything at anytime. This was his pride and joy, especially after his retirement.

P.L. Fry and Son is honored to be serving the McCleary family. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at P.L. Fry and Son 290 N. Union Rd. Manteca at 1pm to 3:30 pm followed by full military honors at 3:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society or Manteca High School Athletics.

An online tribute is available for condolences to the family at www.plfryandson.com

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