Howard J. Cleveland Sr.'s Obituary
Howard J. Cleveland Sr., age 77, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Friday, November 12, 2021. He was born on November 3, 1944 to Howard and Lucy (Haight) Cleveland in Hart, MI. He was a proud Veteran, serving his country in the U.S. Air Force in Thailand during the Vietnam War. He was a faithful servant of Our Lord and was a member at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. He attended the University of Texas at Arlington where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Howard had a lifelong career working for the Federal government. Most of his career was spent working for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a Program Manager. On November 5, 1976, he married Mary Jane Acuña at St. James Catholic Church in Montague, MI. Together they cherished 45 years full of love, laughter and adventure. Howard has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for 40 years and held many positions, including the prestigious title of State Deputy of Alaska. He was a man of many hobbies, but he had a passion for fishing, traveling, cruises and driving his Corvette. He led his family on many adventures ranging from work assignments in Ohio, Texas and Alaska to vacations around the US, Hawaii and Europe. Above all things, he was a loving husband, proud father, doting grandfather and great-grandfather and dear friend to many. Howard will be remembered for his unique sense of humor and unconditional dedication to his family. He is survived by his wife, Mary Cleveland; 6 children, Eva (Jesus) Peña, Sylvia (Peter) Altamira, Kathy (Kermit) Mahan-Cleveland, Pamela Tyler, Susan (Michael) Urbaniak and Howard (Deanna) Cleveland Jr; 16 grandchildren, Enrique, Orlando (Guadalupe), Aurelia, Mariana, Isabella, Julia, Corrin, Aria, Ava, Wesley, Kyra, Lucy, Joseph, Cole and Hope Cleveland-Johnson; 2 great-grandchildren, Kimberly and Orlando Jesus II; 2 brothers, James (Emmi) Cleveland and Harry (Tere) Cleveland; 2 sisters, Joy (George) Dean and Jeanne (Dave) Graber. Howard was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Martha Morton; first wife, Ramona V. Cleveland; and grandson, Damien Johnson-Cleveland. Howard is loved, will be missed and forever cherished by his family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 3252 Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442. A visitation with the family will be held on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 from 11:30AM-1:30PM at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Memorial Contributions in Howard’s honor can be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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