Thomas R. McEleney of Clinton, loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away Saturday, July 20, 2024 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids at age 77. A Mass celebrating Tom will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday July 23rd at Prince of Peace Parish, Clinton. Visitation will be held Tuesday 9:30 AM until the service hour at the church. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family. Burial will be in St. Irenaeus Calvary Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com
Tom was born in Clinton on August 18, 1946, the son of Warren Joseph and Ellen (O’Neil) McEleney. He graduated from Marmion High School in Aurora, IL and attended the University of Iowa. He married Janet Ekberg on August 23, 1975 at St. Patrick’s Church in Clinton. Tom was Sales Manager at McEleney Motors for 40 years, retiring in 2011. As a loyal member of the Clinton community, his love, support and tenacity extended to various volunteer opportunities. He was a proud member of Prince of Peace Parish where he sang robustly in the choir, Knights of Columbus, Clinton Lions Club, Clinton Kiwanis Club, and Salvation Army Advisory Board. He served on the Prince of Peace School Financial Advisory Board and was dedicated in his role on the Board of Directors for the Clinton Area Showboat while acquiring donations to provide financial support for the productions. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and his passion for the football program stood undiminished through his final days.
Tom is survived by his wife, Janet; two children, Molly Anne McEleney of North Liberty, Iowa and Michael John McEleney (Sara) of Iowa City; three grandchildren, Adalyn, Gavin, and Mason; a sister, Anne Hargrave of Iowa City; four brothers, John (Ginny) McEleney of Bettendorf, Dan (Rose) McEleney of Clinton, Ed (Carol) McEleney of Iowa City, and Bill (Tina) McEleney of Naperville, IL, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Susan and brother-in-law, John Hargrave. To his entire extended family, Tom was an exceptional role model who led a life with an abundance of purpose, service, humor, and love. The pride that radiated from Tom when he spoke warmly about his siblings, children, grandchildren, extended family and friends was inspirational and his unrelenting optimism during difficult times was astonishing.
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We were sad to hear that Tom had died. Janet, Mike and Molly – you have a wealth of great memories of Tom. We know you and the rest of your extended family will miss him greatly.
We recall fondly our good times with Tom over the years: visits together to South Dakota and our visits to their home in Iowa. Especially recent trips by Tom and Janet to Washington and our trip together to the Yellowstone/Grand Teton area and Jackson. WY.
Tom was a “great guy” and it is no surprise that many people in Iowa mourn his passing.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Tom was a gift to the Clinton community and will be remembered by many.
So sorry for your loss. He was a great man.
So sorry for your loss McCleney family – prayers of comfort and peace to you all!
We are so sorry for your loss. It’s so hard to lose such a treasured family member and friend. Sending along our prayers, condolences and hugs.
To the entire McEleney family….I am deeply saddened to learn of Tom’s passing. He was a joy to work with in my years with the dealership. His smile and humor in our conversations are amongst my best memories while there. Linda and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and we offer our prayers. May your faith sustain you all.
I was saddened to learn of Tom’s passing. My husband and I got to know him at Highland Ridge when I visited my in-laws. He was always friendly and had a good word for everyone. We will miss seeing his smiling face. Your family is in our prayers.
Jan, So very sorry to read of Tom’s passing. Always enjoyed visiting with him when we would see him. Thinking of you and sending our sympathy and prayers.
Tom was a good man. He will be remembered with fondness by a grateful community. So sorry for your loss.
My sincere sympathies to Tom’s family. My Dad, Bob Engler, worked with Tom and thought highly of him. Tom came to Dad’s visitation and that touched me deeply.
My deepest sympathy to the McEleney family. I was most fortunate to have a visit with Tom just a week ago today. (As is my habit, after stopping to visit my friend – Jan, I would always stop to say “hi” to Tom.) We had a great visit. I told him about my new jeep as Tom had sold me my last jeep. Tom shared about the Iowa Herky statue that Michael painted. He was most proud of the “Key to Tiffin” plaque for Michael’s contributions to this project. Tom, then went on to tell me what a wonderful daughter Molly was and how supportive she has been to him and her mother. Tom was a man of faith with a deep devotion and love for Jan, Michael and Molly. We could use more Tom McEleney’s in this world!
Our heartfelt condolences and prayers to McEleneys. May the promise of eternal life grant his soul.
Deepest sympathy to the McEleney
Family. Tom was always very helpful always supportive of anything Clinton. Great to work with on events and also when buying a car . Just a very fun, kind, respectful human being that you enjoyed being around .
Sad!