Mr. Ralph “Warren” McCleaf, 94, of Waynesboro, PA, passed away Saturday morning, January 17, 2026, at Quincy Village.
Born January 27, 1931, in Waynesboro, PA; son of the late Charles L. and Grace (Warren) McCleaf.
He grew up in Fairfield and Greenstone, PA. He was a resident of Blue Ridge Summit from 1955 until 1982, when he moved to Woodcrest in Waynesboro until 2023, when he and his wife moved to Quincy Village.
Warren graduated from Washington Township High School in 1949. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952 until he was honorably discharged in 1954. He began his career in Advertising at Frick Company, where he worked until 1972, when he went to work for the U.S. Government in facility maintenance and from where he retired on April 30, 1993.
He married Darlene Jane (Brewer) McCleaf on September 24, 1955, in Emmitsburg, MD. Mrs. McCleaf died on October 5, 2025.
He was a longtime member of the Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Club, where he served as treasurer for many years. He belonged to the Waynesboro Coin Club. He had memberships in the Eagles Club and the Elks Club.
Warren enjoyed woodworking and gifted his creations to friends and family. He liked to read history. He and his wife especially liked taking trips to Ocean City, MD. He bought himself a 1968 Mustang convertible when he turned 75 and for a number of years, he entered car shows, where he enjoyed chatting with people.
In the 70’s he worked part time as a boat engine mechanic at Henry Hull’s, Blue Ridge Summit, PA. He was also a self-employed wedding photographer for many years.
He was preceded in death by his wife and is survived by two children: Brenda M. Butts and her husband, Thomas E. of Waynesboro, PA and Gregory W. McCleaf, and his wife, Tracy A. of Fairfield, PA; two granddaughters: Erika A. Butts and Amanda G. Butts; two great-granddaughters: Marielle M. Pettas and Myra M. Pettas; and a nephew, Michael Todd King of Blue Ridge Summit, PA.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Clara King; and a niece, Leesa King.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fairfield, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Quincy Village Benevolent Care Fund, 6596 Orphanage Rd. Waynesboro, PA 17268.
Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, Waynesboro, PA, is handling the arrangements.
