Brian P. Cleere

Brian Patrick Cleere will be remembered for big bear hugs and the joyous laughter that filled every room he inhabited. He passed away on Friday morning, May 24th 2024 at age 85.

Brian is the cherished husband of Carole Cleere, brother to Tim Cleere and the late Eileen Cleere, beloved father and step-father to Jane Johnson, Angie Doria, Matt Cleere, Erin Cleere, Nina Cleere, Shari Rudoler, Benna Millrood, Jennifer Kling, Diana Foulke, and Linda Long, as well as 19 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He was a dedicated family man, leaving the family with countless memories of trips to the Wissahickon, rides atop his shoulders, and quirky aphorisms. 

Born August 16th, 1938 to Timothy Cleere and Marguerite Devlin, Brian was a Philadelphia native and lifelong Eagles fan. Brian held his first job at 13 years old, selling hot dogs at Connie Mack Stadium. As a young man he painted houses and served 4 years in the US Navy. He worked as a mechanic for Boeing on the Saturn V rocket, put himself through night school at Loyola University to become a teacher, and worked in the Philadelphia school system for over 20 years. While still teaching, he went to Temple Law School at night, and practiced law with Carole for 26 years. Brian cared deeply about his students and clients, always going above and beyond to help all people. He also played a crucial role in the Soviet Jewry movement, traveling to the Soviet Union to fight for the rights and freedom of many Refuseniks. All who crossed paths with Brian knew him to have a quick wit, an exceedingly kind heart, and an absolute disregard for the rules. As Brian always said, we’ll see you in the next chapter. 

The funeral will take place at 1pm on Sunday, May 26th at West Laurel Hill Cemetery.