We mournfully announce the passing of Dorian David Cleveland, 42, of Richmond, VA. Dorian passed away on November 27, 2021. 

Dorian was born to Dave and Janis Cleveland on June 24, 1979 in Dade City,  FL. Dorian lived in Ocala, FL until he, his mother and sister, Melanie, moved to Santa Barbara, CA  in 1991. There he completed middle school at La Colina Junior High and attended 3 years at San Marcos High School. Dorian moved to Fredericksburg, VA at 17 and graduated from Chancellor High School.  

Dorian loved being part of the school choir and the Theater Arts program in school. His greatest passion in life was always music. An avid guitar player, he spent countless hours perfecting his ability. He also taught himself to play piano beautifully and loved to write poetry and songs. He was so passionate about the blues. If you knew Dorian, you knew his love of, "The Father of Rock & Roll," Chuck Berry.  Dorian could talk for hours about his hero or any other musician or musical genre. 

Another of Dorian's loves was his long time band, "She Bites Dogs." Along with writing, recording and performing live together, Dorian made lasting friendships with his bandmates. The band often played at Colonial Tavern in Fredericksburg and other venues throughout Northern VA. He loved his days working at Colonial Tavern and coordinating open mic nights. Dorian generously encouraged new artists to share their music on stage; he loved giving them the spotlight. He also performed many of his own songs as a solo artist in coffee shops and wineries. Dorian was also passionate about teaching guitar and had many students during his time as an instructor. He enjoyed playing and collaborating with so many amazing musicians in the VA area. Dorian loved to bring artists and musicians together who may have never met, otherwise. Some people called those introductions, "The Dorian Connection."  

When Dorian wasn’t playing  guitar or piano, he could be found watching football or basketball, of course, with his beautiful cat, Selina, whom he adored! Dorian enjoyed sports as a kid; he spent countless hours playing basketball with his friends in Santa Barbara! He really enjoyed old movies and sitcoms from the 80’s & 90’s. He loved to debate movies and music with friends. A pastime he really enjoyed was listening to his old vinyls on his record player. He had quite a collection. He absolutely loved to see his musician family members perform and was such a fan of them. He was definitely encouraging and loving to all his siblings and was very proud to be a brother to all 6 of them!

Dorian was always there for friends when they needed a listening ear. He loved to help people and had a huge heart; he was very sentimental and loving. Growing up in Santa Barbara he always tried to be the best big brother to his younger, sister, Melanie. Even though they lived on two different coasts later in life, he was always there for her when she needed him. 

Dorian and his mom always talked about their favorite music and Dorian got his love for, "The Beatles," from her.  A song that was very special to Dorian was, "Summertime," because of a recording of his mom singing, "Summertime," with his dad accompanying her on guitar. Playing this recording for his friends was one of his proudest moments!  

Over the last several years, Dorian was a highly respected and appreciated member of a property management team. His strong work ethic, integrity and warmth placed him in a position in which he was entrusted with the care and maintenance of hundreds of peoples' homes, sometimes 24/7. Dorian made the needs of residents a priority, sometimes setting his own plans aside to take care of others. 

The loss of Dorian is heartbreaking but we'll always celebrate the immeasurable, beautiful impact his life has had on so many. He was a deeply loved friend, son, brother and uncle. He was part of a large blended family that he loved and adored. He will be forever missed by his mother, sister, Melanie, nephew, Luke, and all of his friends and family in California - as well as his many friends and family in Virginia and Tennessee.  Dorian will be forever loved and profoundly missed by his siblings David , Scott, Kimber, JC Mason and Brittany.

 A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 16, 2022 from  1-4 Virginia time and 10am to 1pm PST at The Fredericksburg Theater Ensemble. Address: 810 Caroline Street, 4th Floor. 

This is an "invitation only" celebration. Please contact Melanie Cleveland if you would like to attend.

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