Craig W. Cleveland

Craig William Cleveland (also known to his friends as Turk), 70, died Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at his home in Loudon, NH­­. He was born on February 11, 1954, in Concord, NH. He was the son of Robert William Cleveland and Mary Annette (LaClair) Cleveland.  

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 40 years Patricia Mae (Hurlbutt) Cleveland. They were married on April 27, 1990, in Boscawen, NH. In addition, he leaves his brother, Corey Robert Cleveland, sister, Julia Jane (Cleveland) Pelkey and brother-in-law Shannon Gary Pelkey (Ninker). He also leaves stepchildren, Stephanie Lynn Hill of Boscawen, Christine Marie Hill of Newport, and Kristopher Jon Hill of Loudon. In addition, he leaves grandchildren Lindsey Jane Dineen of Boscawen, Adam Francis Dineen of Boscawen, Vivian Mae Peatie of Edgartown, Keaton Mannix Salathe, and Kalvin Maerk Salathe of Newport. He also leaves behind his niece, Brianna (Pelkey) Heath, nephews Brendon Pelkey and Nathan Cleveland. He was also the proud great grandfather of Amelia and Ashlyn Mottram.  

Craig graduated from Merrimack Valley High School in 1972. He then went to work for Allied Leather for the next 16 years. After Allied Leather closed, he went to work for the State of New Hampshire, Materials and Research Department for next 30 years and until his retirement.  

Craig was an avid sports fan. He played baseball, basketball, golf, horseshoes, ping pong, darts, pool, bowling…and most of all he enjoyed being a part of a team. His most enjoyable moments were when he was fishing on the many rivers, lakes, and oceans throughout New England in all seasons. In addition, one of his most memorable fishing trips was when he went to Alaska. He was also a musician in the late 70’s. He played the drums for a band called Desperados dressed in his polyester plaid bell bottoms, platform shoes and a cowboy hat. The group travelled in a carpeted van and played for many local dance halls. 

A memorial service will be held at the Cremation Society of New Hampshire on 172 King Street, Boscawen, NH Friday, February 23, 2024, at 2:00p.m. A celebration of life will follow at the American Legion Post 31, 11 Charles Street, Penacook, NH.  

In lieu of flowers the family requests a memorial contribution to Merrimack Valley Alumni Association, Inc., c/o of Lynn S Colby, 342 High Street, Boscawen, NH 03303. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please visit https://csnh.com/.