Obituaries

Chicago (Nov. 13, 2024) – Rev. Philip C. Cleary, retired priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and former associate pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish on Hermitage Avenue in Chicago, passed away Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, at the age of 71, in Mexico.

Cleary was born on Sept. 5, 1953, in Chicago. He attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary in Chicago, Niles College of Loyola University and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein.

Cleary was ordained to the priesthood on May 9, 1979, by Cardinal John Cody, and he celebrated his first solemn Mass on May 13 of the same year at St. Jerome Parish in Chicago. He then served as associate pastor at St. Boniface Parish on Noble Street in Chicago and Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish.

From 1982 to 1984, Cleary served as president of the Association of Chicago Priests and was elected to the National Federation of Priest Councils Executive Board in 1983.

It was during this time that Cleary learned about Rev. William B. Wasson and his mission at Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH), a nonprofit organization that aims at improving the lives of orphaned and abandoned children in Latin America and the Caribbean. Cleary’s initial plan was to volunteer for one summer at NPH’s main orphanage in Mexico but “he quickly felt called to stay beyond his three-month term, embarking on what became a lifelong commitment to the children of NPH” (from NPH website).

Cleary served for many years as National Director of NPH Mexico before becoming executive director of NPH International. He resided at NPH’s main home in Miacatlán, Morelos, Mexico, where he dedicated his life to the organization’s mission and the children. He then became chaplain for the Diocese of Cuernavaca in Mexico and retired in 2023.

Bishop Ronald Hicks, head of the Diocese of Joliet and one of Cleary’s closest friends, remembers Cleary as a mentor, role model and friend who “lived life with great dedication.” Before entering the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, Hicks spent a year in Mexico volunteering for one of NPH’s orphanages in Mexico. “He (Cleary) not only provided spiritual guidance but also a real dedication to the mission of improving the children’s lives,” Hicks said. “Because of watching his priesthood and how he lived it, he inspired me to enter the priesthood myself.” Hicks continued that “over the years, countless children have benefitted from his love and commitment; he followed principles of unconditional love and service, making sure that the children raised in the home were not only recipients but learned how to give back.”

Rev. Gregory Sakowicz, remembered his friend and classmate as a great priest with a “missionary heart who was very well liked and respected by his classmates.” Sakowicz also recalled that “Philip never looked for the limelight and always tried to bring others into the spotlight.”

Another close friend and classmate was Rev. Stanley Rataj. “He was one of the most respected members of our class and a true leader,” Rataj said. He recalled Cleary’s zest for life and his charisma saying “he was a great friend to all and lived a very faithful and wonderful life.”

All funeral services will take place at St. Zachary Parish, 567 W. Algonquin Road in Des Plaines. Visitation hours will be Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, from 10 to 11 a.m. The funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. and will be celebrated by Bishop Hicks. A private interment will occur at All Saints Catholic Cemetery in Des Plaines.