Memorial Service
Obituary of Aileen Cleary
Aileen Marie Cleary passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer.
She is survived by her sisters, Elizabeth Cleary, Margaret Bernegger, and Julia Cleary; her brother, John Cleary; her niece, Brooke Bernegger; and her nephew, Drew Bernegger.
Born in Chicago and raised in Wheaton, Illinois, Aileen graduated with high honors from Wheaton High School in 1976 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Michigan in 1980. Following college, she became a longtime resident of Fairfield County, Connecticut, calling Weston, Westport, Fairfield, and later Shelton home.
Aileen built a successful career as a marketing manager with Owens-Illinois and Barnes Aerospace (later BF Goodrich) before finding her professional home at Unger Enterprises USA, where she spent many rewarding years making meaningful contributions to the business.
Fun. Funny. Caring. Giving. Generous. Charitable. Big-hearted. These are the words that come most readily to mind when remembering Aileen.
Cancer demanded much from her, yet her life was defined not by illness but by the remarkable way she continued to live. For many years, she faced late-stage metastatic disease with extraordinary resilience, refusing to let her diagnosis limit her spirit. She continued creating memories, nurturing lifelong friendships, planning adventures, and showing up for the people she loved.
Aileen lived life on her own terms: with independence, generosity, authenticity, and a sense of humor that made every gathering brighter. She had a gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and loved, and her kindness touched countless lives.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, CT 06611.
Those wishing to honor Aileen's memory may consider a donation to one of the causes she cared deeply about:
Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo (Bridgeport, CT)
Leonard-Litz LGBTQ+ Foundation (Fairfield, CT)
Aileen's kindness, humor, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family and friends will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.