Gilmanton-----Frank L. “Joe” McClary, Jr., 84, of 393 NH RT 140, died at the Mountain Ridge Health Center, Franklin, N.H. on Tuesday, May 7, 2013.
Mr. McClary was born November 30, 1928 in Gilmanton, N.H., the son of the late Leona (Nutter) and Frank L. McClary, Sr. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was an excellent marksman and while in Austria he competed for a place on the US Olympic rifle and pistol team. After leaving the military he was employed by Willey Lane Trucking of Pittsfield. For many years he served as Road Agent for the town of Gilmanton. He worked for E.W. Sleeper Company in Concord as a heavy equipment mechanic before retiring from Fairfield Equipment Company, also of Concord.
Joe was a lifelong resident of Gilmanton and in recent years could be seen sitting on his porch in the afternoons. For decades he volunteered his time with the Gilmanton Fire Dept., and also enjoyed cooking the lobsters and clams at their annual cookout. He was active with the snowmobile club for many years and with his brothers built their first drag. The drag is now on display at the snowmobile Museum at Bear Brook. Mr. McClary was active with the sled dog club and was a handler for his friend’s teams, traveling to races all around the state. He loved spending time at the Wellness Center in Laconia and looked forward to seeing all of his friends. During the last several years, on his way home from the Wellness Center he looked forward to delivering the newspaper to the guys at the Corners Fire Dept. and to Robin and the guys at the Police Dept. He ended his morning dropping off a biscuit to his “grand-dog” Grizz. His greatest joy was the times spent with family, enjoying many cookouts, chicken barbecues and holiday dinners. He enjoyed “tinkering” on many projects and building things for his family. . He was quick witted and always had a smile. He will be so greatly missed by those who loved him and the many friends whose lives he touched.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Betty M. (Deware) McClary, of Gilmanton; a daughter, Brenda Currier and husband Brett of Gilmanton; a son Frank J. McClary and wife Tina of Gilmanton; Grandchildren; Jaime Lee Currier and her partner Eric Hart of Berkley Calif.; Greg McClary and his fiancé Miranda Drouin and their son Cameron of Belmont; Andrea Doherty and husband Erik and their son Ayden, of Gilford; Matt Currier and his wife Nicole of Gilmanton and their sons Mason and Caden; Tricia Currier of Gilmanton; his brother George “Podge” McClary, of Gilmanton and sister Marion “Jen” Keith, of Northfield, sister-in-law Bea McClary of Gilmanton. He had many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Harold “Steve” McClary and his sister-in-law Lura McClary.
There will be no calling hours.
A Graveside Service will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 1:00PM at the family lot in Smith Meeting House Cemetery, Meeting House Road, Gilmanton, N.H.
For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Community Wellness Center, 22 Strafford St, Ste 2, Laconia, N.H. 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.