Stephen R. Cleal

CLEAL STEPHEN R. CLEAL Passed away on July 20, 2009, after a three year couregeous battle with cancer. Steve leaves behind his cherished wife, Dotte; two beloved children,daughter, Christie (husband,Michael); son, Scott, (wife, Didi); six beautiful grandchildren, Vincent, Scotty, Shelby, WiIlie, Lilly and Stevie; his sister, Cathy Johnston (husband, Carroll); his brother, Peter, (wife, Betty); along with his nephews, Greg (Lisa), Andrew (Karen), Michael (Kerri) and David (Julie); and his niece, Liz. Born in Buffalo, NY on July 18, 1939, Steve moved to Richmond, VA as a young child, where he grew up on Janke Road. He attended Elizabeth Redd Elementary School and in 7th grade, moved to Martinsville, VA, when his father transferred jobs from Richmond to Dupont. Steve attended Martinsville High School and has enjoyed a sustaining connection with many special life-long friends. Upon graduation, Steve attended Virginia Tech, majoring in Forestry. At the end of his sophomore year he decided to join the Navy, was sent to Great Lakes, II and following his basic training was assigned to submarine duty. Steve found the career he truly loved and after initial duty assignments to Dam Neck, VA; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and Holy Loch, Scotland, he was selected for the Navy Enlisted Science Education Program (NESEP). The Navy sent him to the deep South to attend Auburn University (War eagle) for a four year college degree where he graduated with a BS degree in Electrical Engineering. Following graduation, Steve attended Officers Candidate School at Newport, RI and was commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy. Steve proudly served on multiple submarines and ships including the USS Tunny, USS Boston, USS Alexander Hamilton, USS Lewis and Clark, USS Ortolan; and ultimately assumed Command assignments of the USS Pidgeon, USS Vulcan and USS Jason, where he and his shipmates began a long and beautiful legacy of sharing sea stories that continue to this day. In 1994, Steve retired from the Navy after 35 years on active duty. He and his wife, Dottie returned to Richmond in 2005 to enjoy retirement, Richmond''s southern charm and their home on the James River. Steve will be forever remembered for his integrity, his passion for living life to the fullest, his love of NASCAR, trains, nature, running, gardening and his deep and enduring friendship. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Luke''s Lutheran Church on July 25, 2009 at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the MCV Palliative Care Unit or St. Luke''s Lutheran Church are requested. The Cleal family extends a special and heartfelt thanks to Dr. Nadir (MCV) and his amazing team of doctors; and the entire Palliative Care Team for all their many super human efforts throughout Steve''s illness.