In loving memory of

Richard Bradford Cleaveland
December 14, 1946 - May 31, 2020

Richard Bradford Cleaveland, 73, of Bradenton, FL, passed away on May 31, 2020, after a brief battle with brain cancer. Richard was born in Bryn Mawr, PA, on Dec. 14, 1946 to Albert and Sara Cleaveland. Richard grew up in Wellesley, MA, and graduated from Rivers Country Day School in Weston, MA, where he excelled in football and hockey. Richard spent summers with his family on Cape Cod, which were among his fondest memories. After graduating in 1966, Richard spent a year at Monmouth College in Illinois. During that time, the Vietnam War was raging. To avoid being drafted, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Navy, served on two ships and received an honorable discharge in 1969. Richard founded and co-owned RBC Industries, an epoxy distributor to the jewelry and accessories industries in Providence, R.I. In the mid-late 80's Richard moved to Naples, Florida to assist his father with Tropical Enterprises, the maker of the "Farnum Nantucket Handbag".

Richard had many interests. He played golf, enjoying the social aspect more than perfecting his skills on the course. His love of music, in particular playing piano and guitar was his passion. Self-taught, he developed his musical skills and loved spending time in his home recording studio. An avid football fan, Richard was a devoted follower of the New England Patriots. He was blessed with life-long friends from New England to a vibrant golf community in Manatee County. He was ferociously loyal to his friends, always generous with his time and resources. Richard had a great sense of humor and could hold his own in any social situation. Richard faced hardships in life with courage and strength, including his last and final health challenge - a diagnosis of glioblastoma. He leaves a large community of grieving family members and friends, comforted by great memories and stories. Richard was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Richard is survived by two younger brothers, William Cleaveland of Chehalis, WA (June), and Brent Cleaveland of Middletown, R.I. (Judith), nephews Adam Walker Cleaveland (Sarah, and children Caleb, Hannah) of Racine, WI, Heath Cleaveland of Portland, OR, nieces Allison Harrison (Simon, and children Samuel, Mia, and Madeleine) of Leicester, England, and Alexis Cleaveland (children Morgan of Sarasota, Selena of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands).

There is no local service planned at this time. Memorial donations may be made to Defeat GBM (glioblastoma) Research Collaborative - subsidiary of the National Brain Tumor Society, http://defeatgbm.org/.



Tributes

Bill Cleaveland wrote on Jun 20, 2020:

"You will always be my big brother and I'm already missing you terribly. Honored to have walked this difficult journey with you. God bless you and shower you with love during your eternal rest. Until we meet again, your brother, Bill."