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Paul Cleary

End

Inducted 1989

Date of Birth

2/7/1922

Birthplace

North Loop, NE

School

University of Southern California (1946-1947)

Bio

Paul Cleary's first recognition as a football star came as a member of the Santa Ana, California, Junior College teams in 1941 and 1942. The school had a two-year record of 18-1, and in 1942, was ranked first among the nation's junior college teams. Cleary was co-captain. Cleary spent three years in the Army, serving in the Pacific and in the occupation of Japan. He rose to the rank of first lieutenant. He was discharged just in time to enroll at Southern California and join the football team in 1946. He was a consensus All-America in 1947, and Coach Jeff Cravath said, "He's the finest end who ever played at Southern California." In 1973, the Los Angeles Times selected all-time Southern California teams, and Cleary was at end on the pre-1950 lineup. Cleary settled in South Laguna, California. He was with R.J. Noble Co., contractors, serving as president, then chairman of the board.