Joseph Cleary

Joseph B. Cleary, 86, died on October 7, 2012, at Veterans Central Hospital. Joe was born April 25, 1926, to Edward and Agnes Cleary in Melrose, Iowa.

Known as “Joe the plumber,” he had his own plumbing business for 40 years. He was a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division in World War II.

Joseph is survived by a son, Richard (Inez) Cleary; step-daughter, Dixie (Jim) Holdrege; sisters, Agnes Gergely and Wil Carroll; brother, Edward Cleary; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Armetta Cleary; son, Joseph Cleary; sister, Mary Coddey; and step-son, Clarence Shelton.

Funeral mass will be held 11 a.m., Friday, October 12, 2012, at All Saints Catholic Church, 650 Northeast 52nd Avenue in Des Moines, with visitation one hour prior. Burial with military honors will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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