Robert E. Cleaver, age 74, of North Centre Township, boarded the heavenly train on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at home, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Berwick on October 13, 1950, he was a son of the late Sheldon C. and Lucy E. (Riley) Cleaver. He started his education at Nescopeck Schools and was part of the first class to graduate from Berwick Area Senior High School in 1968, after the merger. Robert served in the U.S. Navy from 1968 until 1972 during the Vietnam War. He was with Attack Squadron VA115 out of Whidbey Island on the USS Midway. He was a 2nd Class Aviation Electrician’s Mate and was a flight deck troubleshooter, which he said was the best job he ever had. He was a proud veteran. After an honorable discharge, he continued his education at Luzerne County Community College where he earned an associate degree. He worked at Bechtel and later integrated to PPL at the Susquehanna Nuclear Power Plant, retiring in 2006.
In August 1973, he went on a blind date with Jean E. Harris. A year later they were married and a relationship that started as a blind date turned into a marriage of nearly 51 years.
Robert was a member of First English Baptist Church, Bloomsburg and Lightstreet Community Fire Company. He loved life and trains, both real and model. He was most relaxed sitting by the tracks with his friend Ron. He enjoyed reading history and literature, especially about the 1700’s and 1800’s. He liked riding motor scooters and driving his Alpha Romeo Spider sports car until he was diagnosed with ALS in 2017.
In addition to his loving wife, Jean E. Cleaver, he will be greatly missed by his son, Matthew J. Cleaver and fiancée Katie, Berwick; granddaughter, Raegan Cleaver; a sister, Carol Grahm, Berwick; and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Roland J. Cleaver; Sheldon Douglas Cleaver; and Brian Cleaver.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Heller Funeral Home, LLC, 633 E Third St, Nescopeck with Pastor Lee Barnhardt officiating. Interment will follow in Hidlay Cemetery, Bloomsburg. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until the time of service.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Shine 5:16, 83 Valley Road, Berwick PA 18603.
The family would like to extend a thank you to all the aides who lovingly cared for him. Thank you to all the people who touched his life.
Go Navy!!
Online messages of comfort for his family may be sent to condolences@HellerFuneralHomeLLC.com.