The Rev. John Franklin McCleary Jr., longtime Havertown minister

The Rev. John Franklin McCleary Jr., 87, of Havertown, a minister for 30 years at Llanerch Presbyterian Church, died Saturday, Aug. 1, of Alzheimer's disease at Dunwoody Village, Newtown Square.

In 1955, Mr. McCleary was ordained at the New London Presbyterian Church by the Presbytery of Chester. He served at the Old Manokin Presbyterian Church in Princess Anne, Md., followed by the Elsmere Presbyterian Church in Wilmington.

His longest ministry was at Llanerch Presbyterian Church in Havertown, where he was a respected leader and spiritual adviser starting in 1964.

Mr. McCleary also was a church leader for the region, often behind the scenes. He served as the stated clerk of the New Castle Presbytery and as interim stated clerk in the Philadelphia Presbytery. The stated clerk is the parliamentarian and record keeper for the presbytery, which is similar to the diocese in the Roman Catholic Church.

"Even as a young man, John was known for his maturity, wisdom, wit, and principled leadership. His trademark sermons were thoughtful, studied, and based upon Biblical texts that inspired and educated people in following Christ," his family said in a tribute.

"In his leadership, John would act on principle, responding to what he believed was right. He served in an unpretentious manner that called attention to what John believed needed to be done, rather than to himself," his family said.

Born in West Grove, Pa., to John Franklin McCleary and Marion McCleary, he grew up at Peacedale Farm in Elk Township. He learned his lessons in a one-room country schoolhouse.

As Mr. McCleary became a teenager, World War II was raging. By the time he graduated from Oxford High School in 1945, he had already enlisted in the Army. He was sent to Virginia Military Institute for officer training and after the war was honorably discharged with the rank of staff sergeant.

Mr. McCleary had a sharp mind and loved learning. While waiting for funding from the GI Bill, he began studying at Beacom Business College in Wilmington. In short order, he graduated and went on to study at Lafayette College in Easton. Mr. McCleary graduated with honors in 1952 with a bachelor's degree in English literature. He also excelled at Greek.

Mr. McCleary felt called to the ministry; he enrolled at Princeton Theological Seminary, earning his divinity degree in June 1955 and his master of theology degree in 1969. He began serving churches, one in Tuckerton, N.J., while in seminary.

One summer Mr. McCleary met Lila Pittenger as both served in Tupelo, Miss., with the Presbyterian Board of National Missions. For two years, while at different colleges, they exchanged letters every day. In 1952, they married in the New London Presbyterian Church.

Mr. McCleary ministered to the faithful; his wife taught English literature. The two enjoyed each other's company, reading, and travel. At the time of Mr. McCleary's death, he and his wife were nearing their 63d wedding anniversary.

After retiring from active ministry, Mr. McCleary enjoyed being a teacher-in-residence at Newtown Square Presbyterian Church. For 40 years, he spent many hours assisting the Scotch-Irish Society U.S.A. He also volunteered in the Union League of Philadelphia library for a decade.

In 2008, the McClearys moved to Dunwoody Village, where he remained until his death.

Besides his wife, he is survived by a brother, Truman Huston McCleary; a nephew; and two nieces.

Services were Thursday, Aug. 6.

Donations may be made to Dunwoody Village Memorial Garden, 3500 W. Chester Pike, Newtown Square, Pa. 19073, or Canine Partners for Life, Box 170, Cochranville, Pa. 19330.