Samuel Derek McCleery of Newtown, formerly of Ridgefield, died peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on February 26. He was born in Bangor, Northern Ireland, and immigrated to the United States in 1953 with his wife, the late Iris M. McCleery.

Mr McCleery was the senior vice president of Gulf+Western Industries until his retirement at age 50. He continued to work as a consultant in ad valorem taxation. He was the founder and president of the Institute of Property Taxation.

Mr McCleery had been very active in many Ridgefield community organizations, including The Boys and Girls Club, the Community Center, Board of Tax Review, historical society, and St Stephen’s Church.

A son, Ian Michael McCleery; three daughters and spouses, Sharron and Steve Lavatori, Siobhan and Chris Santini, and Stephanie and Robb Heering; and eight grandchildren, Jeff Lavatori, Brandon, Michael, and Morgan Santini, and Robb Jr, Kyle, Derek, and Connor Heering, survive Mr McCleery.

Funeral services will take place Saturday, March 7, at 11 am, in St Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 351 Main Street, Ridgefield, with the Reverend Whitney Altopp, rector, officiating. Entombment will take place in the Crypt of St Stephen’s Church, at the direction of the family. There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 6 Washington Square, PO Box 334, Newtown CT 06470.

Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield, is in charge of arrangements.