Cleveland Heidelberg Jr., 91, of Bremerton, WA, passed away on August 30, 2023 .

Cleveland was born on March 25th, 1932 to Mr. Cleveland Heidelberg Sr. and Mrs. Emma Heidelberg (nee Arrington) in Laurel, Miss.. 

Cleveland enlisted in the United States Airforce in June of 1951 for two and a half years. Upon his return from his military service in 1953, Cleveland graduated from Oak Park Vocational High School in Laurel MS.  After H.S. graduation, he enrolled in the infamous Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama, where Cleveland earned a vocational degree in Radiology.  After graduation, he landed a job at Southeastern Benevolent Hospital (the only black hospital in Laurel, MS), as the first African-American  X-ray technician. 

Cleveland's life journey  took him up north to Gary, Indiana, and then to the Naval Ordnance Plant Forest Park, in Forest Park Illinois. He continued his work as a civilian laboratory x-ray technician until 1971, when the NOPF was shuttered. During his time in Illinois, Cleveland was fortunate to meet Bertha Heidelberg (nee Mikell). The loving couple made a brave decision to leave their friends and family to start a new life in Washington state. Cleve transferred to the dispensary at what was then  The Naval Torpedo Station at Keyport. Cleve and Bert were married in December 1971 and had 2 children Candice & Torrance. Cleveland raised his family and worked at Keyport for 27 years, retiring in April of 1998. During his years at Keyport he would "adopt" young military who had no family in state. He was a fun-loving, charismatic, advice giving, father figure to all he met. If someone was displaced on a holiday, they came to Cleve's house for dinner and fellowship. 

In 2001 Cleve and Bert ( a 33 year elementary school teaching veteran) moved to Japan. His wife was teaching for the Dept. of Defense. They spent 2 years in Japan until Bert was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. She passed away after a valiant fight in February of 2005. 

Cleve was lucky again in being reacquainted with family friend, Lucia Pantig. Lucia was a support to Cleve and their friendship blossomed into love. They were married in December 2010. Lucia and Cleveland enjoyed traveling together and visiting family. They became true companions. Lucia was a partner and care giver for Cleve tending to his needs with the utmost care and attention throughout the years. 

Cleveland loved rooting for his Seattle Seahawks, and many other NFL & NBA teams. He was a soulful dancer that would cut a rug anytime you put on some good ol' R&B.  He enjoyed gardening and BBQing. He was stubborn and outspoken. He was a great cook and even better baker.  He served on the EEO committee at work and was a devoted volunteer at the Admiral Theatre in Bremerton. He love to dress, and look good. He was a person who could walk into a room and garner everyone's attention with a smile. Cleveland Heidelberg was one in a million, and will forever be missed. 

 Cleveland was predeceased by his wife Bertha M. Heidelberg, brothers Roland Heidelberg, Charles W. Heidelberg, Julius C. Heidelberg Sr. , Tommy Heidelberg, & Willie M. Heidelberg, mother Mrs. Emma Heidelberg, and father Cleveland Heidelberg Sr. . 

He is survived by: his wife Lucia Pantig, daughters, Candice Heidelberg-Denison (Mark) Norfolk, VA; Gwendolyn Brown New Orleans, LA. Sons, Torrance Heidelberg (Stephanie) Gig Harbor, WA; Michael Heidelberg (Leatrice), Lehigh Acres, FL; Jerome Heidelberg, Georgia. Sisters, Lillie Pearl Lindsey (Louis), Laurel MS; Doris Donald, Laurel MS. Grandchildren, Devin Wickson(Eryn), Colorado Springs, CO; Omari Heidelberg, Kaylia Heidelberg Gig Harbor, WA; McKinley Heidelberg-Denison, Norfolk, VA; Antoinette Washington, Takiwa Washington Houston, TX; Leonard Barnes Jr. (Pamela); Jade Heidelberg , Jalisia Heidelberg,  Michael S. Heidelberg, Isiah Heidelberg, FL. In-laws, Crisanta Pantig-George, Fernando C. Pantig (Celia)   Silverdale, WA; Martha Pantig-Alam, Bremerton, WA;  Teresita Pantig-Duenas, Philippines; 5 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Chosen family Bill & Kathy Charles, Vancouver, WA; godsons Michael Charles, Marcus Charles, Seattle, WA; Bradley Durham, Gig Harbor, WA; Brandon Durham, Bremerton, WA; and many adoring nieces, nephews, neighbors, & friends.

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