John Earl McCleary

John Earl McCleary , 67, passed away October 26, 2016, in Tallahassee, Florida. He was born in Rochester, New York to Kenneth and Mabel (Golden) McCleary.

He is a graduate of Penfield High School and received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida in Psychology where he played soccer and was also a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He retired from social work with the State of Florida and also had a multifaceted career as an entrepreneur and salesman, as well as baseball coach to hundreds of kids. An avid outdoorsman, he loved to hunt and fish, and was inducted into the Florida Archery Association Hall of Fame as a champion archer.

He is best known and will be remembered for his role as "Dado" and as a prodigious investor in family. He fervently believed in the potential of his children. He taught his children to speak the truth, to keep their word, and to think ahead. His generosity of his self and time was profound. He had a gift for words, and as a father, volunteer, booster, neighbor and friend, he was always available - whether for a conversation or to provide a helping hand and had a story for any situation. He experienced much and had the courage to live life on his terms - something we should all be so lucky to achieve.

In retirement, he enjoyed blues music as well as learning to play cigar box guitars and the harmonica.

He is survived by his sister Joyce, daughters Katie and Meredith as well as sons Dan and Matt; and many grandchildren and extended family.

He was adamant that nobody should make a big fuss over his passing, and we will have an informal celebration of his life and visitation with his family to remember a man we will all dearly miss, which will be held from 3-4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at Harry's located at 301 S. Bronough Street, Tallahasee. A private funeral ceremony will be held.

In lieu of flowers, Dado would hope that you'd teach a kid to hunt or fish, throw a baseball, or simply spend some time together outdoors.