Richard Ward Cleveland, 79, of Dartmouth, died unexpectedly at St. Luke’s Hospital surrounded by his loving family on February 24, 2017 after a period of declining health. Dick is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Paulette, son Michael Cleveland and his wife Pamela of Dartmouth, daughter Theresa Cleveland also of Dartmouth, and daughter JoAnne Mosher and her husband Christopher of Scarborough, ME, his loving grandchildren Jillian and Mitchell Cleveland, Mason Cleveland Pereira, and Julia and Abigail Mosher, as well as several nieces and nephews. Dick was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to all who knew him.
Dick was predeceased by his parents, Nelson and Edith (Ward) Cleveland, his daughter, Cheryl Ann, and his brother, David. Born in New Bedford, Dick grew up in Fairhaven, attended Fairhaven public schools, was a graduate of the New Hampton School in New Hamsphire, and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Arts from the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Dick loved his family and was happiest spending time with them and sharing his great sense of humor.
He was a sports enthusiast and lifelong fan of the New York Football Giants. He coached his children’s baseball and basketball teams, was a golfer and former member of the Country Club of New Bedford, and a parishioner of St. Julie Billiart Parish in Dartmouth. Dick was the owner and president of his family's business, American Press, Inc. of New Bedford until his retirement. He also volunteered as an advisor to the printing program at the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational High School.
His Funeral will be held on Tuesday at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Julie Billiart Church at 10 AM. Visiting hours will be on Monday from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dick’s name to the Boston Children’s Hospital or a charity of their choice. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.