Walter L. “Walt”
Cleveland, 85, of 88 Myrtle Ave., Hornell, died Friday afternoon (August 21,
2020) at Highland Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.
Born in Deposit, NY
on August 25, 1934, he was the son of James & Irene (Caffrey) Cleveland.
Walt grew up in
Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1953). While in high school, he worked at the former
Seneca Bowl (AKA Seneca Lanes) as a “Pin Setter” and was paid 10 cents per
game. Following high school graduation, he began working at the Erie Railroad,
primarily as a fireman.
In 1957, Walt was
drafted into the US Army. Before being
inducted, however, he married the former Santa Petrelli on June 1, 1957. Together they resided in several locations,
including Nuremburg, Germany until Walt’s Honorable Discharge in 1959.
Following his
discharge from the military, Walt & Santa returned to the Hornell area and
Walt resumed working at the Erie Railroad.
Walt continued his employment with the railroad (Erie, Erie Lackawanna
& Conrail) until his retirement as an engineer in 1996 following 43 total
years of service.
Walt was a member of
Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He had been a member of the Hornell Knights
of Columbus, G. Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy), the Hornell American Legion and
the Hornell Association.
An avid card player,
Walt spent countless hours playing Gin with his buddies at the various clubs at
which he belonged. He also loved taking
trips to Las Vegas, playing cards and other games of chance at the casinos. Walt enjoyed growing vegetables, especially
garlic, and was happy to share it with his family & friends. He also loved making “Dandelion Wine” and,
again, sharing with family & friends.
He was preceded in
death by his wife of 62 years, Santa Cleveland, who died April 8, 2020; 3
brothers, James Cleveland, John Cleveland and Edward Cleveland.
Surviving are 3
sons, Walter (Joyce) Cleveland of Hornell, Mark Cleveland of Cohocton and
Daniel Cleveland of Buffalo; 1 daughter, Mary (Fred) Klindt of Cohocton; 5
grandchildren, Jessica Cleveland, Sarah (Kristian) Bourdage, Heath Cleveland,
Elizabeth Klindt and Kelsey Klindt; 1 great-grandson, Tristan Bourdage; several
nieces & nephews.
The family of Walter
L. “Walt” Cleveland will receive friends on Tuesday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at
the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St.,
Hornell, NY. A private graveside
service will be held at the convenience of the family at St. Mary’s Cemetery
with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.
Walt’s family
request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St.
Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 300, Memphis, TN 38148.
Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home. To leave an online
condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com