MIDLOTHIAN, VA. — Dr.Stephen Francis Cleary, 79, of Midlothian passed away suddenly at hishome on Tuesday, June 7, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents,Cornelius Joseph Cleary and Ellen Irene Arent Cleary; brother, JosephCornelius Cleary; and daughter, Kim Cleary Dwyer.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Francine Garber Cleary;daughters, Victoria Mainwaring, Amy Eichenberger, Erin Cleary, SiobhanCleary Cooper (Raleigh); grandchildren, Russell Glorioso, JakeMainwaring, Kevin Eichenberger, Abby Mainwaring, Luke Mainwaring, GraceDwyer, Stephen Dwyer, Diane Dwyer, Will Eichenberger, and Adam Dwyer.
Steve received his undergraduate degree in chemical rngineering fromNew York University, a master’s in science in radiation biology fromthe University of Rochester, and his Ph.D. in biophysics and statisticsfrom New York University. He was Professor Emeritus of physiology andbiophysics at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he worked for 38years as a research scientist and professor impacting the lives ofcountless students and individuals. He was internationally recognizedfor his research on non-ionizing radiation with a focus on microwaveradiation and cellular phone frequencies on biological systems.
His collaborative approach to research took him to numerous countriesacross the globe. Over his distinguished career, he consulted for manyorganizations including NASA, The Department of Health, The AtomicEnergy Commission, U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force, NIH, NIOSH, OSHA,EPA, CDC, The Bureau of Radiological Health, and The National Academyof Science. He was a member of several professional scientificorganizations, including the New York Academy of Science, BiophysicalSociety, American Association for the Advancement of Science,Federation of American Scientists, and was a founder and charter boardmember of the Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Outside of his professional interests, you could often find Steve onthe YMCA handball court, riding his bicycle around town or wanderingthe aisles of his favorite store, Costco. He especially enjoyedspending time with his family and friends at his second home at thebeach in Avon, where his love of surf fishing and swimming in the oceankept him active. His other hobbies included reading, cooking healthyfoods and tending to his numerous plants, including cacti and citrustrees. He was also always up for a lively debate on a range of topics.Steve was loved by his family and will be greatly missed.
Services were held on June 18. In lieu of flowers, donations can bemade in Steve’s memory to The Midlothian Family YMCA or the AmericanHeart Association. Online condolences may be left at: www.blileys.com.
