National Guardsman killed in motorcycle crash

A National Guard soldier from Montoursville was killed Tuesday afternoon when he lost control of his motorcycle and struck a utility pole in Dauphin County, state police and National Guard personnel said.

Spc. Ryan McCleary, 23, of Elizabethville, a member of Co. G, 228th Support Battalion in Wilkes-Barre, was praised by his company commander, Capt. Robert Perino.

"He was an excellent soldier and was an important member of his team," Perino said.

McClearly was extremely bright and motivated, he added.

By age 21, the Montoursville High School graduate received a master's degree in education from Bloomsburg University and in August began teaching physics at Upper Dauphin High School. He also was a student teacher at Muncy High School and a substitute teacher in Luzerne County before accepting his full-time position.

As a soldier, McCleary drove a truck and was prepared to attend officer candidate school.

"He would have been a good officer," Perino said. "He was very motivated, a quick learner and was good at his job."

McCleary was wearing a helmet when he lost control of the motorcycle shortly after 3 p.m. on North Church Street in Washington Township, state police at Lykens said.

Memorial services are planned with full military honors, Perino said.