JMC’s RTS: It’s been a while now since we put together a column
on the man who originated Round the Square and wrote it for at
least 40 years – Joe Cleary.[neWLine]
Greg Hayes, a former neighbor of Mr. Cleary, sent us a
postscript:[neWLine]
“”Our family left Bradford in 1960. We lived at 296 Congress St.
My mother and brothers, Jim, John, Pat and Joe and sister Mary, all
live in the Houston/Galveston area and say hello.[neWLine]
“”Joe and Rita (his wife) were our neighbors on Congress Street
for nearly 20 years. My mom and dad were real close, and frequently
they would be together, mainly on Friday nights, talking and
drinking a few beers.[neWLine]
“”Susan, their daughter, was 5 days younger than me and we grew
up together and went to St. Bernard grade and high
school.[neWLine]
“”Joe (that’s what we all called him) was a wonderful person and
I miss him a lot. I used to be with him occasionally while he wrote
Round the Square. In his living room, he had a small area where he
kept National Geographic and a host of other books, magazines and
other reading material. He would quickly write some of his articles
there.[neWLine]
“”He loved life and he could talk and entertain you. He took me
to St. Francis Church one time for Christmas eve services while he
was on the radio (WESB). He narrated the mass as Father Richie said
it.[neWLine]
“”On another occasion, he took me to Elmira, N.Y., with Rita and
Susan when I was maybe 9 years old. We stayed over night with his
parents and Joe and I had to sleep together in the same bed because
there was no other space.[neWLine]
“”He wrote an article about me after my return from Viet Nam in
Round the Square around 1970 which made me very proud.[neWLine]
“”When I read your article about Joe, it brought back so many
memories of the Clearys and Bradford and all the good times we all
had while living there.””[neWLine]
Greg also noted: “”I really enjoy reading Round the Square. We
would love to hear from you and your readers.”” We reached him at
this email address: gregory.w.hayes@irs.gov[neWLine]
Mr. Cleary (as we called him) passed away about 10 years
ago.
