Patrick J. Cleland

Patrick J. Cleland, 64, of Caroga Lake, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2023 at home, with his wife by his side. Pat was born on November 5, 1958 in Norwich, NY, the youngest child of Chester and Mary (Milman) Cleland.
Pat attended Johnstown Schools, where he excelled in sports, and during his senior year, enlisted in the US Army. He loved being in the Army, he found structure and discipline that he lived by for the rest of his life. He was based in Alaska for 4 ½ years, the absolute best years of his life, he'd say. Then he went to Ft. Benning. In 1984, he was medically discharged from the Army due to injury and he went to work in the US Post Office in New Hampshire for 5 years. Pat retired from the Post Office due to his health and he came home to Caroga Lake to raise his boys where his mom lived on "Blueberry Hill", Timberlane Blueberry Farm.
He loved working out in the field, trimming, and pruning the bushes, helping his mother and sister run the farm.
Pat became Jimmy Gabler's assistant football coach at Wheelerville School soon after he moved back. They coached young boys from 4th to 8th grade. Pat was a natural born coach, he loved it; he loved the boys, and he loved the game. He pushed the kids in military fashion to get in shape and to always give 100% effort. The boys grew to love and respect him and when he would show up at Wheelerville for an event, they'd say, "Hey Mr. Cleland!" and drop and give him 10-4 count push-ups!
He often found work at the blueberry farm for the boys to earn extra money. They were always welcome at his house and knew Pat would be there for them if they needed him
In July 1996, he married Betsy Thomas, and they blended her two children with his two boys for what turned out to be a very adventurous journey in Caroga Lake, the Johnstown school system and beyond. Over the years, Pat and Betsy attended countless ball games and events their 4 children were involved in. Supporting each one and loving every minute of it
Pat was a member of the Mayfield Presbyterian Church, a member of the choir and loved his church family. They gave him so much love and support over these last 5 years, he was very grateful for that. One of his greatest joys was meeting and developing a great friendship with Victor Doe of Liberia, who interned at the church.
Pat is survived by his wife, Betsy; his children, Matthew, Las Vegas, Nevada, Bradley (Nicole) of Broadalbin, Schuyler Van Valkenburg, Richmond, Virginia and Katie (Jeff)Abadie of Columbia, Maryland. His mother, Mary Cleland, brother, Christopher (Carol), sister, Shawn (Peter Kieran). Seven grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Chester W. Cleland in 1991.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 3:00 PM at the Mayfield Presbyterian Church, 22 N. Main Street, Mayfield, NY with Rev. Dr. Bonnie Orth officiating.
Visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service at the church from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM.
Interment will be at the Gerald B H Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Saratoga, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the New Beginnings Christian Academy Mayfield Presbyterian Church, Mayfield, NY or the American Red Cross.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the A.G. Cole Funeral Home Inc., 215 E. Main Street, Johnstown, NY.
Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.agcolefuneralhome.com