Obituary of Leo F. McCluskey

Leo Francis McCluskey, 87, of Pompton Plains, passed away on March 25, 2015. Leo was one of 12 children born to the late Patrick and Emily McCluskey on 12/20/27 in Paterson, NJ. Soon after graduating high school he joined the Army where he served his country as a member of the infamous Thunderbirds – 45th Infantry (Artillery Division) achieving the rank of Master Sergeant and was often assigned the difficult task of "Forward Observer" in the Korean War. In 1953, Leo started work at Ford Motor Company spending much of his career as line supervisor and produced the early Ford Mustang model. On May 15, 1954 Leo married the late Elizabeth Jane (Betty) Quinlan and re-located to West Paterson, N.J. to raise his family. In 1980, after 27 years, Leo retired from Ford and began a second career – earning a Black Seal as a licensed boiler technician employed by Chilton Hospital in Pequannock before retiring in 1987. Leo is survived by three children: Leo McCluskey M.D. (Katherine) of Philadelphia, PA, Karen Decker (Scott) of Wellesley, MA and Michael McCluskey (Tamara D.O.) of Kinnelon, NJ. Leo is survived by 8 grandchildren – Megan, Katie, and Brendan McCluskey, Ashley, Lauren and Patrick Decker, Michael and Annie McCluskey. In addition, Leo is survived by his sister Rita Rumsey of Lakeland, FL along with numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services are entrusted to Dangler Lewis and Carey Funeral Home, 312 West Main Street, Boonton, NJ. A memorial service will be held at The Chapel at Cedar Crest Village, Cedar Crest Village Drive, Pompton Plains, NJ on Saturday, March 28th at 5:15 PM. Letters of condolence may be posted at www.Danglerlewisandcareyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers Leo's family is requesting that donations be made to: The American Cancer Society – Eastern Division, 7 Ridgedale Ave Suite 103 Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927.