Obituary of Francis Richard "Dick" Cleveland

Francis Richard Cleveland known by most as "Dick" was born in Montour Falls on October 5,1940, the son of the late Skip and Viola Cleveland. He passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024 at his home in Montour Falls, NY.

He is survived by his wife, Anne Marie Cleveland; children, Judi (Cliff) Lott, Betsy and Scott Cleveland, Jennifer (Chad) Carrigan, and Kyle Smith; grandchildren: Jamie Lott, Margaret (Kyle) Barry, Camdyn Smith, Abrianna Carrigan, Olivia and Chloe Cleveland and Grace Anne Smith; great grandsons Nicholas and Anthony Jasionowski. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Pauline Cleveland and Gail Beecher; brother William Cleveland; as well as two nieces Karen McGrath and Barbara O'Brien. Dick was predeceased by his first wife, Nancy (Beecher) Cleveland in 2001, his granddaughter Samantha Lott in 1997, and his brother Jon Cleveland in 2018.

Dick was employed for 38 years by Shepard Niles Incorporated, most of which were as their industrial relations manager. He was also employed for over 20 years at Robert H. Treman State Park. He served four years in the United States Marine Corps and two years in the US Marine Reserves. He was a past president of the IAM Local Lodge #1765 and past president of IAM District lodge #58. Dick was a life member and an officer for several years of the Marine Corps League Detachment # 458 and a member of its color guard and firing squad. He was a life member of the American Legion Post 1612, Big Flats, member of VFW Post 6083, Elmira Heights, Watkins Glen Elks Lodge# 1546, Montour Falls Moose Lodge 426, Marine Corps Association and Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.

Dick was the most generous, kindhearted, and giving person anyone could ask for. He loved all of his family and would do anything for them. He helped them all to be the people they are today, and for that we thank him. He loved to hunt and fish in his spare time. He wanted special recognition to go to his son-in-law Cliff Lott for taking him under his wing and making him fly straight. Without our daughter Jennifer it would have been impossible to fulfill Dick's final wishes.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls. His funeral will begin at 1:00 pm followed by burial with full military honors at Montour Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his memory to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087.