Brian E. Cleveland

Brian E Cleveland, 57, Hermon, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024 with his loving family at his side. Brian had spent the past 15 months battling stage IV esophageal cancer with the strength, courage and dignity of a true warrior. He knew he was living on borrowed time from the moment he was diagnosed, and chose to make the most of every day, cherishing time with his family and friends.

Brian was born in Ogdensburg on October 2, 1967 to Esther (Fifield) and Wesley Cleveland of Hermon. At an early age Brian found his love of the outdoors and often told of stories fishing and trapping in the creek out behind their family home. As a child he loved to read Fur, Fish & Game magazine, and dreamed of moving into the wilderness to live off the land. As an adult he found much peace fishing the Oswegatchie and riding his side by side at his camp in Newton Falls, as well as ice fishing, camping, gathering sap and hunting family land in Hermon. Brian believed in a strong work ethic instilled in him by his father, Wesley.  Brian and his brother, Butch worked tirelessly beside him in his firewood business.

Brian graduated from Hermon-DeKalb Central in 1986. He joined the United States Army Reserve while still in high school, and went on to active duty after graduation, spending four years stationed in Germany as a truck driver. While there, he was able to visit many Countries in Europe and valued those experiences.

Upon leaving the Army, Brian worked for his Dad and various logging companies. He began working for Tamarack Forestry after the Ice Storm of '98, and his career in line clearance began. He spent many years traveling throughout the Northeast working a job he loved and providing for his family, until he retired from Nelson Tree Service due to illness earlier this year.

Brian is survived by his loving wife, Sheila, having shared 34 years by her side; his cherished daughters Katelyn Trombley of Gouverneur, Alexa and her husband Arron Gascon, whom he considered a son, of Heuvelton; his grandchildren whom he spoiled and adored, Kameron Trombley, Karson Nicholas, Addalyn Trombley and Teagan Trombley of Gouverneur, Kadence Chapin of Canton, and Grant and Briella Gascon of Heuvelton.

He is also survived by his mother Esther Cleveland, Hermon; his brother Clarence (Butch) Cleveland and wife Kelly, Hermon; sisters Jeanette and husband Gregory Withrow of Morrisonville and Janet and husband Matthew Sims of Macedon; brothers in law Ritchie Baxter and wife Jennifer, and Ryan Baxter and wife Emily. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He is pre-deceased by his father Wesley Cleveland, as well as his father-in-law Richard Baxter and Mother-in-law Mabel Baxter.

He was truly loved and will be forever missed as a husband, father, brother, son, uncle, friend, and the best Bumpa ever.

Memory contributions may be made in his memory to the Hope Lodge of Vermont.

Calling hours for Brian will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and again from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the O'Leary Funeral Home, Canton. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 12:00 pm at the Hermon United Methodist Church, burial will follow in the Hermon Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared online by visiting www.olearyfuneralservice.com. Arrangements for Brian Cleveland are under the care of the O'Leary Funeral Service of Canton.