Harry Jay Cleaves

Athlete, entrepreneur and dedicated summer camper, Harry J. Cleaves, of Watertown, New York, passed away on October 17, 2024.

Harry grew up in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. He attended the Cape Schools, North Yarmouth Academy, and the New Hampton School in New Hampton, New Hampshire. He was an avid and accomplished athlete and a standout in lacrosse and ice hockey. His love was freestyle skiing. Throughout the winter, Harry could be found on the slopes of Maine, with a fondness for Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton.

On his 18th birthday, he joined the Marine Corps, and served for six years, rising to the rank of Sergeant E5. He received numerous meritorious promotions, an expert rifle badge and assisted his platoon in receiving the Cates Award, an honor bestowed on the most combat ready platoon in the country.

He joined the family lumber business, first in Portland Maine and then Watertown New York where he managed a distribution facility and warehouse. He lived and made a life for himself in Watertown where he had many friends while enjoying his boat, his dogs and life in the North Country. He was involved as a volunteer with the Elks Club and an active member of the Clayton and Crescent Yacht Club and served as Commodore of NP Association Yacht Club.

He was actively involved in Birch Rock Camp in East Waterford, Maine serving on their Board of Directors from 1982-1996. He got his start at camp at a very young age, first as a camper, then caretaker, and even chef. He was instrumental in reconstructing the lodge which to this very day is considered an engineering feat by Birch Rockers. He so valued his close ties and friendships in the BRC community.

A private burial will be held at the Brooklawn Cemetery in Portland Maine on November 9th and a memorial service, in his honor, will be held next summer at Birch Rock Camp.

Survived by mother Helen K Cleaves of Cumberland Foreside, sister Pam Cleaves Devine of Falmouth Foreside and brother Robert Cleaves IV of South Portland Maine.
He is predeceased by his father, Robert Cleaves, III.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Birch Rock Camp, 15 Skyline Road, South Portland Maine 04088.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Cleveland Funeral Home, Inc., Watertown. Online condolences can be made at www.clevelandfhinc.com.

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