Richard C. McCleary, Phd
Born: Sat Jun 13, 1925
Died: Fri Oct 26, 2012
Funeral Service
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Richard C. (Dick) McCleary passed away October 26, 2012, in Marlborough, Massachusetts, age 87. The cause of death was interstitial lung disease. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Francesca, four children, Rita, Richard, Gregory, and Louise, and three grandchildren.
Dick was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on June 13, 1925. He grew up mostly in Fayetteville, AK, Baltimore, and Knoxville. He briefly attended MIT, then joined the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he served in the Pacific as a pharmacist 2nd class. At the end of the war he was in China for several months. After his service he studied Humanities at the University of Chicago, eventually completing his M.A. In 1950 he traveled to Paris to study existentialism. He married Francesca Arrighi in Lucca, Italy. Their first child, Rita, was born in Paris, and shortly after the family returned to Knoxville, where Dick took up his first teaching position at Knoxville College. He earned a Ph.D. in American Studies at Yale University.
During his teaching career he was professor of English and Philosophy at the University of Florida, the University of Massachusetts Boston, and Old Dominion University. He retired from Old Dominion in 1995. His areas of scholarship were French existentialism, political philosophy, and the philosophy of education. He translated works by Maurice Merleau-Ponty and Jean-Paul Sartre, and published his own work in Imagination’s Body.
Throughout his life, Dick loved to travel and meet new friends. After their retirement, he and Francesca lived in London off and on for several years, then settled down in the Boston area, to be closer to family.
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Judy Van Dress
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Posted Sun October 28, 2012
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I cannot tell you how sad I feel to hear of Dick''s illness and death. It brings back so many wonderful memories of the years in Norfolk, when I was Judy Buxton, and Dick and my then husband, Haley, were professors of philosophy at Old Dominion University. Francesca and I taught foreign language at Norfolk Collegiate and were the closest of friends. We even lived in the same neighborhood, Colonial Place, and I taught Dick and Francesca''s daughter, Louise, English one year.
In later years I visited Dick with friends a couple of times. I can honestly say that Dick was one of the kindest, friendliest people I have ever known. He was always optimistic and so much fun in social situations.
Francesca and Dick picked us up at the Boston airport in 2008. At that time, I was bringing my husband,Michael,there for surgery for his lung disease,mesothelioma. They were both so kind and met us for lunch after the surgery.
Dick, I hope that wherever you are, you are enjoying the adventure as you enjoyed life when I knew you. You were a truly special and wonderful human being, and the world will miss you. Francesca, I hope to have a chance to communicate with you. I cannot imagine your grief at the loss of your mate of 61 years. Love always,Judy
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Al Markowitz
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Posted Fri November 02, 2012
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I am deeply saddened to hear of Dick's death. He was a mentor to me when he taught at ODU in Norfolk and a friend over the years. A wise, generous and principled man, his passing is a loss for all.
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Clare Torrans
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Posted Fri November 02, 2012
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I'm sorry to hear this, Mme. I have thought of you over the years and will continue to do so.
Mes condoleances,
Clare
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Laura Burke
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Posted Fri November 02, 2012
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I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Madame. I remember hearing stories of your beloved husband in the late 80's. Even though I have not seen you since maybe 1990, I often think about you and your many many stories. I am glad you are living near family and hope you find much comfort in your children and grandchildren.
Laura Burke
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