Paul Matthews Cleveland

1931 - 2024

Paul M. Cleveland, 93, passed away peacefully at home in McLean, VA on November 21, 2024. He dedicated much of his life to public service, starting as a member of the U.S. Foreign Service in 1957 and remaining at the State Department for thirty-six years. His overseas diplomatic tours included Australia, Germany, Indonesia, South Korea, New Zealand, and Malaysia – the latter two countries where he served as U.S. Ambassador. Prior to his State Department career, Cleveland was an Air Force pilot flying missions across Europe.

Cleveland was born in 1931 in Boston, MA to Paul and Mary Cleveland, and grew up in the New York and Washington, DC areas. He graduated from Phillips Academy, Andover ('49), Yale University (B.A. '53) and The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University (M.A. '65).

As a career diplomat, Cleveland was assigned overseas in locations involving some of our nation's most challenging foreign policy problems. As Ambassador he negotiated assiduously with New Zealand Prime Minister David Lange over the visiting rights of U.S. nuclear armed ships. Cleveland was able to sustain strong bilateral commercial and geopolitical ties and support and coordinate Wellington's continued positive participation in world affairs. Maintaining balanced and productive political and military relations with Malaysia was a signature accomplishment during his time as chief envoy in Kuala Lumpur. At the same time, he became an advocate for the American business community initiating a new idea: the U.S. Ambassadors assigned to the ASEAN countries traveling back to the U.S. annually as a group to promote business ties with the region. Subsequent traveling "shows" by the U.S. Ambassadors followed annually. Interviewed about his career by The Association of Diplomatic Studies and Training, Cleveland reflected: "Where else could one have such an opportunity to learn about history, politics, economics and foreign culture, and then actually have an opportunity to write and do something about them – no matter how small a something. Would I do it again? Yes, and I'd do it in East Asia which I have seen grow from revolution to extraordinary success. I think I was suited to the Foreign Service life. It was good to me, and I am grateful."

In retirement, Ambassador Cleveland continued to pursue activities that involved his deep experience and knowledge of Asia Pacific Affairs. He served as Executive Director of the U.S. – New Zealand Business Council as well as head of the U.S. Indonesia Society. He was President of the DACOR Bacon House overseeing programming and affairs for the retired Foreign Service community. He also enjoyed social activities as a member of the Cosmos Club and was an avid golfer at the Chevy Chase Club.

Cleveland was preceded in death by his first wife of 48 years, Carter Sellwood Cleveland and his son, James Cleveland. He is survived by his second wife, Joan Oberhoff Cleveland; brother, James Cleveland (Karen); three children, Robin Cleveland, Sandra Shaw (Thom), and Peter Cleveland (Allison); five grandchildren (Christian, Colin, Aaron, Christopher, and Alexander), and one great-grandchild (Owen). A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 13, 2 p.m., at St. Alban's Church with reception to follow.