Rev. Richard Cleary, SJ (Photo by Justin Knight)
Obituary: Richard Cleary, SJ, former University Chaplain and NE Provincial
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A funeral Mass was celebrated Oct. 15 at the Campion Center Chapel of the Holy Spirit for Rev. Richard Cleary, SJ, who served as University chaplain at Boston College from 1989-2000 and as provincial of the New England Province of the Society of Jesus from 1974-79. Fr. Cleary died Oct. 7 at age 77.As University chaplain, Fr. Cleary oversaw a staff of priests, sisters and lay people responsible for providing spiritual counseling and faith formation for a large and diverse campus. Under his leadership, the number of Chaplaincy programs increased and their scope expanded beyond the Chestnut Hill campus.
Programs established during his tenure that endure today include: 48 Hours, a weekend experience for first-year students to learn about BC’s intellectual, social, and spiritual resources; 4Boston, a volunteer and reflection program in which students volunteer four hours a week for one year at a social service, health, or education placement, and Arrupe (formerly Ignacio) International Programs, faith-based immersion programs for BC students to learn about and to live with people in places such as Belize, Jamaica, Mexico and Nicaragua.
“Dick Cleary will be remembered with affection by all the people at BC whose lives were touched by his thoughtful and caring style in the years he worked as University Chaplain,” said Vice President for
University Mission and Ministry Rev. Joseph Appleyard, SJ. “Under his leadership some of the most successful service and retreat programs were developed and the staff was expanded and professionalized.
“His Jesuit brothers will have additional reason to appreciate the years he spent in province administration and in directing the retirement center and retreat house at Weston.”
Fr. Cleary also was a singer in Boston College’s University Chorale for many years. “Fr. Cleary was a wonderful man and had a beautiful, strong, clear voice,” said University Chorale Conductor John Finney.
“He was a great presence in the Chorale. Having him there, as the chaplain of Boston College, added a wonderful, indescribable sense to our Chorale rehearsals and performances.”
In 1997, Fr. Cleary arranged for the Chorale to have a private audience with Pope John Paul II during the group’s spring break trip to Rome. “It was an unbelievable experience. We were able to sing several selections for the pope. It was amazing and it was all because of Fr. Cleary’s efforts,” said Finney.
A native of Melrose, Fr. Cleary entered the Society of Jesus in 1953 at Shadowbrook in Lenox, Mass. As a scholastic there, he narrowly escaped a deadly fire that claimed the lives of three priests and a brother. Ordained in 1966, Fr. Cleary served as a director at Inner City Tutorial Program in Boston and as chaplain at Boston City Hospital. He also worked as a director of field education at Weston School of Theology and the Boston Theological Institute. Before his appointment at BC, he served as rector of the Campion Center for eight years.
At the New England Province, Fr. Cleary served as assistant director of pastoral ministries and social apostolate and vice provincial for formation. He was appointed provincial in 1974, serving until 1979.
After his tenure at Boston College, Fr. Cleary was a chaplain at the Newman Catholic Center at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Fr. Cleary is survived by his brother, Rev. Herbert J. Cleary, SJ, of Boston College High School. Interment was at the Jesuit Cemetery, Campion Center. Donations may be made in remembrance of Fr. Cleary to the Jesuit Community, Campion Center, 319 Concord Rd., Weston, MA 02493.
Kathleen Sullivan can be reached at kathleen.sullivan.1@bc.edu