George Gilbert Klear

George Gilbert Klear, 75, of Leonardtown, MD died November 4, 2004 in St. Mary’s Hospital. Born September 23, 1929 in Leonardtown, MD, he was the son of the late Jane Paul Abell and John Gilbert Klear. He was the loving husband of Mary L “Pritzi” Klear whom he married on October 17, 1953 in St. Aloysius Catholic Church.

He was the devoted father of Kerry Klear and his wife Jill of Leonardtown, MD.

He is survived by his sisters Shirley K. Hunt and Theresa Clements, both of Leonardtown and two grandchildren; Kristin Klear and Scott Klear.

He was preceded in death by his brother Francis F. Klear and his sisters Mary Rose Bell Miles and Anna Strine. He was a lifelong St. Mary’s County resident and graduate of Margaret Brent High School Class of 1946. Mr. Klear was the owner/president of the Printing Press, Inc. and was the General Manager of The Enterprise Newspaper.

He also served in the United States Army and Army Reserves for eight years, from August 28, 1951 to October 30, 1959; he fought in the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. He belonged to the Mechanicsville Moose Lodge and various St. Mary’s County pool, bowling and junior baseball leagues.

Prayers will be said on Sunday, November 7, 2004 at 3:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 2 – 5 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 8, 2004 at 10:00 AM in St. Aloysius Catholic Church with Fr. Rory Conley officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Lee Tedore, Steve Joy, Larry Miedzinski, Jim Boyd, Herbie Lord and Brian Abell. Contributions may be made to Special Olympics of Southern Maryland, 25926 Whiskey Creek Road, Hollywood, MD 20636 and/or Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 299, Leonardtown, MD 20650.