Richard “Dickie” Cleaveland, 72, of Dickson, TN formerly of Scottshill, TN, Millerton and Dover Plains, NY died Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at Centennial Hospital in Nashville, TN following a brief illness. Richard worked for Wassaic Developmental Center, Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center and Hudson River Psychiatric Center prior to his retirement in 1999. Following his employment with New York State he worked for Kohl’s in the warehouse department and also enjoyed working at a local hardware store as a sales associate.
Born October 24, 1944 in Sharon, CT he was the son of the late Hubert and Georgia (Willson) Cleaveland. Richard attended Webutuck High School in Amenia, NY. In 1965 he enlisted in the United States Army and served his country honorably during the Vietnam War.
Richard was an avid gardener and was very proud of his sprawling vegetable garden which he lovingly cared for each summer. If a question ever arose about growing something, he was the go to guy. He enjoyed woodworking, creating beautiful pieces using the tools that were passed down to him by his grandfather. He had a passion for Harley- Davidson motorcycles and whenever anyone would mention a Harley, Richard always came to mind. He owned several Harley’s throughout his life, on his wedding day he carried the love of his life, Linda Robbins from the church where they were married on a Harley. Mrs. Cleaveland survives at their home in Dickson with their beloved dog, Bo Ty. Richard also enjoyed playing Santa Claus for his grandchildren, having a naturally white beard, he fit the part perfectly. In his spare time he was currently restoring an old pickup truck and liked to cook and try new recipes.
In addition to his beloved wife Linda, Richard is survived by a daughter, Dawn Conklin and her husband Wayne of Hudson, NY; three sons, Dwayne Robbins and his wife Toni of Newburgh, NY, George Mahoney of Dover Plains and Brian Mahoney and his wife Stephanie of Charlotte, TN; several grandchildren; one great grandchild; three brothers, Hubert, Jr. and his wife Marcella of Darden, TN, John of Palm Harbor, FL and Joseph and his wife Lorraine of Lakeville, CT; three sisters, Carol Dean and her husband Jerry of Millerton, Beverly Cleaveland of Glastonbury, CT and Mary Massey and her husband Les of Warren, CT and several nieces and nephews and many friends. In addition to his parents Richard was predeceased by two sons, Ricky-Joe and John Mahoney and a brother, James in 1991.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 11am at the Millerton Presbyterian Church, Main Street, Millerton, NY. The Rev. Zora F. Cheatham will officiate. Military Honors will follow the service. Burial will be private. A reception in Mr. Cleaveland’s honor will follow at Millerton Presbyterian Church.
