Clifford Cleary, 98, of Salem, NH passed away on Nov. 3, 2026 after a long and fulfilling life.

Born to Hilda and Ernest Cleary, Clifford grew up in Greystone Village in North Providence, RI. He graduated from North Providence High School in 1945 and went on to attend Iowa State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1951. He began his professional career as an electrical engineer with Western Electric.

Throughout his life, Clifford demonstrated remarkable determination and an enthusiasm for embracing new possibilities. After gradually losing his hearing, he received a cochlear implant in 1986, an experience that profoundly changed his life. As one of the first people in the area to receive a cochlear implant, his story attracted considerable attention, and several articles were written about him in local newspapers. He became an active member of Cochlear Implant Club International and Self Help for the Hard of Hearing, sharing his experience and connecting with others.

Clifford had a lifelong love of boats, particularly sailing, and enjoyed hiking and photography. He also had a great passion for computers and technology, always eager to explore the latest innovations. He was an early adopter of the personal computer and enjoyed keeping up with the ever-changing world of technology.

One of Clifford's greatest adventures was purchasing a 38-foot cabin cruiser and fulfilling his dream of traveling down the Atlantic Coast through the Intracoastal Waterway and back. Completing portions of the journey over several years, he embraced the adventure and the freedom of life on the water.

Clifford will be remembered for his curiosity, adventurous spirit, determination, and willingness to embrace life and all its possibilities.

He is survived by his three children: Susan and her husband, Leon Deveau of Stantonsburg, NC, Richard Cleary and his wife, Cynthia, of Derry, NH and Sandra and her husband, Jacob Donigian Jr., of Fremont, NH; his 9 grandchildren, Christopher, Tamsyn, Edward, Patrick, Margaret, Jacob III, Amanda, Abigail, and Jeffrey; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Dorothy Cleary, and his second wife, Charlotte Cleary.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, Nov 8, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main Street, Salem, NH. The funeral service will be held on Monday, Nov. 9, at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Clifford's memory may be made to the Joyful Life Cochlear Implant Fund at jlcif.org.

To send a message of condolence to the family, please view the obituary at www.douglasandjohnson.com