William A. Cleary Jr., 83, died Oct. 22, 2011, at Indian River Medical Center.
He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and moved to Vero Beach 21 years ago from Rockville, Md.
He received his bachelor of science degree in naval architecture and marine engineering in 1951 at Webb Institute and also was a graduate of the Naval War College in Newport, R.I.
He served in the Navy during the Korean War and held the rank of captain, USNR.
He was a Professional Engineer USA, Florida Mechanical Engineer, Chartered Engineer, UK Naval Architect and European Engineer ED Naval Architect.
He had been employed as chief of the Naval Architecture Branch, Office of Merchant Marine Safety and Marine and Environmental Protection USCG Headquarters in Washington, D.C. from 1968-1987; Navy Engineering duty officer, ship repair, design, salvage, training of diving and salvage reservists from 1951-1981, and Inspector General (NavySea) from 1981-1985.
In 1989 he came to Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, where he taught as an adjunct professor.
Survivors include his spouse; three children; several brothers; sisters; and numerous grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home in Vero Beach with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Oct. 27 at St. Helen Catholic Church.
Interment will follow at Crestlawn Cemetery.
A guestbook is available at www.seawindsfh.com
