Earl Cleveland

Earl J. Cleveland, a longtime resident of Rensselaer, passed away on February 2, 2016. Born in West Dover, Nova Scotia, Canada, June 21, 1914, Earl was the son of Alice (Scott Morash) and Maynard Cleveland. He graduated from Albany High School. Earl immigrated to Albany with his family when he was 10 years old. He later became a naturalized U.S. citizen. Earl was a U.S. Army veteran and member of the 179th Field Artillery Regiment serving his adopted country during World War II as a Technical Sergeant. He worked for over 30 years on the former New York Central, Conrail and present Amtrak Railroad, retiring as a conductor in 1979. Earl spent many hours working on and enjoying his home and camp in the Adirondack Mountains where he spent vacation time with his family. He had a love for the Ocean carried over from his early days in Nova Scotia; and was happiest when he was in the outdoors next to nature. Devoted husband of 66 years to the late Grace Huber Cleveland. Earl is survived by his daughters Noreen Seaphoenix of Albany, Grace (John) Gregory of East Greenbush, Sheila (Robert) Dufresne of Defreestville and son, Albert J. (Diane) Cleveland of East Greenbush. Grandfather (Poppie) of Sean (Richard Devine) and Erin O'Toole (Elliot DeHoyos); Michelle (Dimitri) Vasilakis and Mark (Julie) Gregory; Brian (Rebecca) and Philip (Kyla) Dufresne and Caroline, John and Andrew Cleveland; brother of Jean Zembo of Albany and Aubrey (Corkey) Cleveland of Colonie and the late Weldon (Florie) Morash, Lloyd (Phyllis) Morash, Lyllis (Elias) Wilson, Gertrude (Rudy) Klees, Marjorie Cleveland and Audrey Cleveland. Great Grandfather to Annabelle and Evan Dufresne. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral will be from the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home 1700 Washington Avenue Rensselaer Monday morning February 8, 2016 at 10:00. All are welcome to attend. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home Sunday, February 7, 2016 from 2-4 p.m. Interment with military honors will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.