Joseph Burton 'Joe' Cleaver, 92, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, in Sunnyvale, California. He was a devoted family man, accomplished professional, and spirited athlete, singer, traveler and cook. Joe lived a life marked by warmth, kindness, and staying active with friends and family.
Born on August 11, 1933, in Highland Park, Illinois, he was the son of Joseph Benjamin 'Ben' and Helen Louise Haas Cleaver. He graduated from Colgate University in 1955. Following college, Joe served his country with distinction as a jet pilot in the United States Air Force. Joe went on to build a remarkable 33-year career as an executive with Allstate Insurance Company. His leadership and dedication earned him the respect of colleagues and peers. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joe was known for his friendly demeanor and genuine interest in those around him.
Joe embraced life with enthusiasm. He was an avid tennis player (played for Colgate) and golfer and enjoyed skiing well into his later years. He was a longtime member of the Saratoga Country Club, where he formed enduring friendships and he enjoyed the camaraderie of these friendships until his death. Music held a special place in his heart; having led the Colgate 13 in college, he continued to have music in his life and sang with Voices in Harmony and participated actively in barbershop chorus groups. Joe also had a deep love for travel. He explored the world with curiosity and joy with his wife Ann, collecting memories across continents. Joe had master BBQ skills and loved to try new recipes and sing while he did so. There was always good food and music in the house.
Joe's greatest joy came from his family. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife Ann Cleaver of 40 years; daughter Marcella 'Marcie' Cleaver (Ronan) Maguire; grandchildren Patrick, Brian, Marcie, and Catherine Maguire; Danny and Kevin (Aly) Cleaver; stepchildren Mike (TC) Johnson, Duncan (Sydney) Johnson and Robin (Scott) Davis; and his step grandchildren Paul, Jared, Jamie and Colton Johnson; Delaney and Emerson Davis. His legacy continues through each of them.
He was preceded in death by his beloved son Joseph Burton Cleaver 'Burton', cherished grandson Joseph Burton Cleaver 'Joey', sisters Louise Cleaver (Robert) Smither and Katie Cleaver and stepson Bruce Johnson.
Joe Cleaver will be remembered not only for his accomplishments but for the warmth he brought into every room. May his memory be an inspiration and comfort to all who knew him.
Born on August 11, 1933, in Highland Park, Illinois, he was the son of Joseph Benjamin 'Ben' and Helen Louise Haas Cleaver. He graduated from Colgate University in 1955. Following college, Joe served his country with distinction as a jet pilot in the United States Air Force. Joe went on to build a remarkable 33-year career as an executive with Allstate Insurance Company. His leadership and dedication earned him the respect of colleagues and peers. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joe was known for his friendly demeanor and genuine interest in those around him.
Joe embraced life with enthusiasm. He was an avid tennis player (played for Colgate) and golfer and enjoyed skiing well into his later years. He was a longtime member of the Saratoga Country Club, where he formed enduring friendships and he enjoyed the camaraderie of these friendships until his death. Music held a special place in his heart; having led the Colgate 13 in college, he continued to have music in his life and sang with Voices in Harmony and participated actively in barbershop chorus groups. Joe also had a deep love for travel. He explored the world with curiosity and joy with his wife Ann, collecting memories across continents. Joe had master BBQ skills and loved to try new recipes and sing while he did so. There was always good food and music in the house.
Joe's greatest joy came from his family. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife Ann Cleaver of 40 years; daughter Marcella 'Marcie' Cleaver (Ronan) Maguire; grandchildren Patrick, Brian, Marcie, and Catherine Maguire; Danny and Kevin (Aly) Cleaver; stepchildren Mike (TC) Johnson, Duncan (Sydney) Johnson and Robin (Scott) Davis; and his step grandchildren Paul, Jared, Jamie and Colton Johnson; Delaney and Emerson Davis. His legacy continues through each of them.
He was preceded in death by his beloved son Joseph Burton Cleaver 'Burton', cherished grandson Joseph Burton Cleaver 'Joey', sisters Louise Cleaver (Robert) Smither and Katie Cleaver and stepson Bruce Johnson.
Joe Cleaver will be remembered not only for his accomplishments but for the warmth he brought into every room. May his memory be an inspiration and comfort to all who knew him.
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