Sunday, February 7, 2016
My sincere condolences to all of the Cleveland family. There are many more branches on the Cleveland family tree today than I have kept up with over the years. Having spent my youth growing up next to the immediate Cleveland family on 8th Street, I had the good fortune to know this family that was always there for us, whether it was talking over the fence, or sleeping over when the furnace broke down, you were all always there and giving when needed. Such character and caring only comes from the kind of life influencing principles that Mr Cleveland gave to, and left with his family. I have many memories of the man. I especially will always remember the trips up North to the camp. My brother Steve and I were lucky to have had the good fortune of being Al's neighborhood guests for several such trips. Mr Cleveland would give us the freedom to go forth and explore the Sacandaga River, freedom to learn, freedom to develop a healthy independence that I struggled to get from my father who seemed always too cautious. I'll never forget the early morning call to breakfast, the best pancakes I ever ate. I also will never forget the way he would sing... "Anybody here seen Kelly..." over the fence to my mother and the smile it would always place her face. The Mr Cleveland that I knew was the essence of an unselfish family provider. There is no doubt that I too, as did the entire Mahar family, benefit from our good fortune to have lived next door, and to have known and been influenced by such a man. I am thankful for that, thankful to have known Mr Cleveland. I am sorry for your loss to all of the Cleveland family. He was a man to admire and respect, he will be missed. We can all be thankful for what he gave an leaves behind, to continue growing.
