Millard Austin Mccleary

Millard A. McCleary Shrewsbury Millard Austin McCleary, June 1, 1918- July 16, 2014, oldest son of Milton and Myrtle (Glatfelter) McCleary. He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 60 years, Leona (Miller) McCleary. He is survived by his sister Mardella (McCleary) Shepperd. Millard was preceded in death by his brothers Bernard “Barney”, and Stewart McCleary. Millard’s loving, kind spirit will be missed by his 7 children, Sylvia Erline, Donald McCleary, Gloria McCleary, Nadine Stevenson, Sharon Phelan, Dale McCleary, and Lena McCleary Keane. He is a beloved father-in-law to Thomas Erline, Nancy Gailey McCleary, Thomas Phelan, Andrew Keane, and a deceased son-in-law Wesley Stevenson. In addition, he will be missed by his 10 granddaughters, 3 grandsons, and 8 great-grandchildren. Millard and his family farmed in the Shrewsbury area for over 70 years. Millard also took special pleasure in keeping a garden of roses, gladiolas, and other flowers. While farming was Millard’s vocation, classical music was the core of his soul. As a young man, Millard studied composition at Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore and in 1947 one of his compositions, “Autumnal Blue Ridge,” was preformed by the York Symphony Orchestra. For many years Millard was the musical director of various choirs at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hametown, PA. He sang tenor in the men’s and chancel choirs at Advent Lutheran where he was a member for 40 years and served in various capacities on the music committee and others for the church. Millard also was a member of the York Symphony chorus. For many years he shared his love of classical music by teaching piano to children in the York area. After retiring, he entertained the residents at the Lutheran Home each week by playing the piano. Playing the piano, creating musical compositions, and singing were central to Millard’s being. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, July, 19, 2014 at St. Paul (Hametown) Lutheran Church, 11894 Susquehanna Trial South, Glen Rock with his pastor the Rev. Katie Brantner, officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the church. There will be no viewing. The Geiple Funeral Home, Inc. 53 Main Street, Glen Rock, is assisting the family with the arrangements. Condolences may be shared at geiple.com