Obituary of John Stanley McCleave

John Stanley McCleave, also known as “Mac,” passed away peacefully on Monday, December 18, 2023 at the age of 89 in Monterey, California.

Born on November 2, 1934, John was the son of John McCleave and Ella Mae Armstrong. He was raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, steadfastly attending Saint Paul AME Elmwood church with his family from an early age and attending the Philadelphia public school system.

Following high school graduation from Bok Vocational Technical School, where he lettered in varsity gymnastics, he joined the United States Navy, serving with great pride and distinction. Excelling in his military career, he dedicated more than 20 years to the Navy, retiring as a chief petty officer. Transitioning to civil service, John's diligent work and expertise made a lasting impact on those he worked with at Burke Dental Clinic and Naval Postgraduate School Public Works. Committed to lifelong learning, he also earned three associate degrees from Monterey Peninsula College.

John is preceded in death by his parents, John and Ella Mae McCleave, his sister Mary Jordan, brother-in law Donald Johnson and his son, Ramon Anderson.

John is survived by a loving family, including his devoted spouse of 54 years, Tomiko. Through their union, they raised six children, Barbara Soraru (Gian Dominico), Marian Sutterfield (Jimmy), Patricia Winfield (Harold), Delores Krakoff (Scott), and Gary McCleave. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren, Carrera Levy (Cedric), Tori Winfield, Treya Winfield, Taryn Winfield, Spencer Krakoff, Gary McCleave, and Gian Marco Soraru. He was also a proud great grandfather (to Caesar Aguilar, Michelangelo Tucker, Hanalae and Alaina Castillo, and Charlie Krakoff) and great-great grandfather (to Darla and Layla Aguilar).

John is also survived by his sister, Evelyn Johnson, and her children, Kevin, Keith, and Lisa.

John was outgoing, energetic, and loving, and he was always known for his love for his family, his passion for good food, and his cherished tradition of attending the seasonal Monterey Jazz Festival. He will also be remembered for his warm kindness, incredible hospitality, thoughtful gestures, and contagious enthusiasm for life—a generous spirit that he freely shared with everyone fortunate enough to know and love him. John will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.