Dr Cleveland was our family Dr. The last time I saw him I was 25 yrs old. I didn't have a doctor and didn't know where else to go. In the waiting room at his office I assured all the kids and parents he was a good doctor. 🙂 He invited me in his office.  He greeted me with a big smile and suggested I move on to another doctor and gave me a referral.  That was the last time I saw him. 1987

My sincere condolences to the Cleveland family.  My father was very sorry when he found out about Dr. Cleveland's passing.  He enjoyed and respected him immensely and always told me about their conversations at the medical meetings at Memorial Hospital.

Our prayers and sympathies are with the surviving Cleveland family.  I truly felt blessed to know Dr. Cleveland and experience his love for children and medicine.  He was always available for his patients regardless of the time or hour.  He was my daughter's pediatrician from birth until he retired and we never found anyone with his passion.  We all  thrived because of his care.  God Bless you all!

Dear Kathleen, Cathy and the whole family...We are so sorry to hear of Bob's passing.   I will always remember what loving support you, Kathleen, and Bob gave our Dad, especially in those last few years of his living in San Diego.  Bob was a beautiful testament to the integrity of the medical profession by serving his patients and their families with kindness and compassion, and to the role of adoring husband, father and member of our Cleveland family.  What a beautiful legacy he has left for the children and grandchildren.  Our hearts are with you at this time.
With love & blessings to you,
Coralee Cleveland Dey & family

We were sorry to hear about Dr. Bob's passing.  I think we were one of his first patients.  He would meet us at office at anytime we called.  If fact he would treat my husband and I also.  He said we were still teenagers so it was ok.  Betsy and Nick Hopkins

We are all sorry to learn of Dr. Cleveland's passing.  He took care of my three children until - of course - they were 18.  Our youngest son developed a fever of 106 on a weekend one time, and we called the office number and asked what we should do.  Next thing we knew Dr. Cleveland called us and told us to meet him at his office right away.  We live in Huntington Beach.  So we piled all three kids in car, drove up to LB and there he was along with Mrs. Cleveland in evening clothes!  He left an event because he told us that there was an outbreak of scarlet fever in Orange County.  Sure enough, that's what my son had, and Dr. C wanted to check the other two kids.  He also told us to take the son to a Urologist when he was over the fever.  When asked why he said sometimes problems develop with the kidneys after a child has had scarlet fever.  We did that and discovered that our son had been born with one kidney! It was  certainly a good thing to know, in case any thing ever happened to him.  Dr. Cleveland said the only thing we should do is not let our boy play a contact sport such as football.  Thankfully our son who is now 41 never had any problems.
But, I doubt if you would ever find a doctor who would meet you on a Sat. night in evening clothes today.  All my children were saddened when I told them about his death.  They remembered so many things he told them to do or not do.  What a wonderful man.  Sue Rosen and family.

To the Cleveland family.  Our two children were patients of Dr. C's until about the time he retired.  We moved here from Texas in 1977 and our neighbor recommended him-boy! were we lucky!  He was absolutely terrific-loving and compassionate and told it like it was.  Our prayers are with his family.

To Bobbette and her family.  We are so sorry for your loss.   What a beautiful obituary.. full of love..   My thoughts are with you all at this sad time.  He really was very much loved and the center of your worlds.  What a wonderful life!

Janet and Jim Foster - Dallas, Texas

To Dr. Clevelands Family we send our deepest sympathy.We were so sad to hear about Dr. Cleveland.He was my three childrens doctor from 1976 till they turned eighteen.He was the best doctor and he never turned us away or we never had to wait for days to get in to see him...I still remember he office on Bellflower, everyone was always so nice and pleasent to be around..even with all the crying babies.He was the best and my children say to this day that there are no doctors today like Dr. Cleveland. With Love and Graditude...The Rombough Family

Sorry to find out about Bob's recent death. I saw many of his patients over the years for Pediatric Neurology consultations. He was a concerned and caring pediatrician; definitely a role model when I first went into practice in Long Beach. I would see him at Pediatric Grandrounds, and he never failed to update me on his familiy's accomplishments. He was a proud husband, father and grandfather. I will miss him. My deepest condolences to his family. Sincerely, Dr. Perry Lubens

Dr Cleveland was our daughter's pediatrician from 
Sept 2, 1968 when Dr Eddy told us about this "wonderful" doctor whom he recommended.  Dr Clevelnd saw us through many medical events and I shall be forever grateful.  May he rest in peace and may his family know how much he was appreciated.
Very sincerely,
Marjorie Stringer (Mother of Cynthia)

-My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Dr. Cleveland's wife and family.  He was our daughter's pediatrician since her birth in 1969.  He was the best!
Sincerely, Rita Cole 
(aka Mrs. Monte Jones)

Our Dear Dr Cleveland, We will miss you.
On March 12, 1973 I gave birth to Anthony C. Thacher Jr.  
He was 2 lbs 14 ozs.  My second preemie, the first one passed away shortly after she was born, which was 5 years earlier, and not Dr Bobs pt.
After being told by my OB that this baby was also not likely to make it I refused to believe it. Dr Cleveland, and God saved him. 
My boy is 37 years old now and my only child. He has no ill effects from being so early.  I took him to Dr C  throughout his childhood. I was so blessed to have him watching over my boy. My son was in the hospital for 6 weeks.  The insurance took care of the hospital bill but only a small part of the Dr bill.

Dr Cleveland wrote off most of the hundreds of dollars owed him, My husband had just gone through surgery and was not working at the time.

I thanked him and asked him why he had done that. He told me that "some Doctors go into the field for the money, some for the prestige, and some for the knowledge, and I learned much while caring for your son." 
We love you Dr Cleveland.
Sincerely,
Sharon Thacher and Son Anthony

My heartfelt condolences and thoughts for the Cleveland family and relatives.  My five brothers and I were perennial visitors to the offices off of Bellflower Blvd from the late 50s easily into the 1970s.  Each time, my mother and "the brood" were all treated to remarkable care and advice, providing smiles for memories that will not fade.  We were unquestionably lucky to have the practice and the man here in LB.

To Cathy Beth and her entire family, I am so sorry to hear of the death of your father.  I will always remember the infamous trips to Denny's for breakfast, an important part of the STP bike ride.  I know he was a huge part of your life and he will be deeply missed.

To all of the Cleveland family, my deepest sympathy. I have very fond memories of my childhood, playing at the Cleveland house, getting to go to the hospital on Sunday mornings with Bobette & Dr. Cleveland were the best...May your memories and love help you through what I know must be a very difficult time. Love, Lisa Teele Owen

Dr. Cleveland was a wonderful doctor to our 3 sons as they grew up. They listened to his advice. He did the physicals for the boys as they went into sports. We'll remember him always.

I will miss Bob at our weekly visits at grand rounds, his sense of humor, and exchanging "political views".  I always enjoyed his politically correct views on Pediatrics and other subjects relating to life.  You have my deepest sympathies.  Nord S. Nation M.D.

Dr. Cleveland was my boyhood doctor.  I recall him fondly.

Dr. Cleveland was the best pediatrician in Long Beach.  I took all three of my sons to him.  He cured migraines, all kinds of flu, cuts, mystery tummy-aches, and called back during off hours and weekends.  He helped save the life of my youngest son, Sean, from SIDS. He was Sean's most vocal champion when he had developmental problems all the way through elementary school.  He told me, "If you don't fight for your children, no one else will. Sean is going to be fine.  Keep moving forward."  I think of how many times he encouraged me as a parent with his wisdom and guidance.  My children LOVE him and they are all healthy grown-ups now.  I love Dr. Cleveland, too.  I so enjoyed seeing him around after he retired.  What a straight-shooter, honest, authentic, compassionate person.  Thank God for him.

 My deepest sympathies to all your family. All our family willl long remember his kindnessa and caring for all.
   Respectfuly; Ronald A.Mckinney

My deepest sympathy to the Cleveland family. Dr. Cleveland was my doctor for 18yrs. and yes, as soon as I turned 18 he told me it was time to move on...Luckily, I have 2 younger siblings and I was able to sneak by a little longer. I'm 40 now and my mom still tells us stories about Dr. Cleveland!  The best one was that we were "his kids".  We all learned a lot from Dr. Cleveland.  What a wonderful, straight forward, tell it like it is doctor.
WE will ALL miss you!

My deepest sympathies to the family in their loss.
Dr. Cleveland was my doctor from age 1 to 19.  He really helped me both in my health and my morale support as I grew up.  He gave me guidance and was a real cheer leader while I grew up.  I have many memory's of my time with Robert.  He will be really missed.

Dr. Cleveland was the best.  He was my first daughter's pediatrician in 1987 until he retired.    I learned so much from him.  He spent time with us as parents and made sure we knew what was best for our kids. He always told it like it was.   I was a better mom with a sick child becasue of him.  I saw him a few years ago when I took one of my daughters to the dentist in the building where he used to work.  He was working in the yard at one of the houses he owned behind the office.   I was so pleased to see him and be able to talk to him again.  I will never forget him. I know you will all miss him too. Sincerely, Paige De Jong

I worked for Dr. Cleveland for several years at his Long Beach office. I enjoyed every minute of watching him care for all his little patients with such compassion.  My deepest sympathy to you Kathleen and to all the extended family.

My heart goes out to your family, Dr. Cleveland was my doctor as a child, the only reason I changed doctors was finally Dr. Bob said to me your 18 and it is time to move on, now get out of here! After graduating nursing school at LBCC, I got my first job in the newborn nursery at LBMH, again Dr. Bob was there for me.  He would give all the other nurses such a hard time about "his" babies, so much so that he was known as "your Dr Cleveland". When I shared that with him he laughed and said "yes, I like to keep them hopping"
In a few years I had a son, and of course his doctor was, you guessed it, Dr. Cleveland.  My son is now 32 and he also had to find a new doctor when he turned 18.  Every time I think of him, a smile comes to my face, so many memories of a man who was a big teddy bear at heart, he just did not want everyone to know.

My deepest sympathies to all of the family.  Dr. Bob was my doctor and my children's doctor. Sincerely, Beth McKinney Thurston

My deepest sympathes to all the family members.  Dr. Bob was my doctor when I was young and then he took care of my children.  Many fond memories!  Sincerely,  Maureen McKinney Labor

To all Cleveland family members.  My deepest sympathies for your loss of husband/father/grandfather.  I feel lucky to have met Dr. Cleveland and get to know him over the years as my brother's father in law.  I always admired him in many ways.  He was a great listener!  He always was giving of his time and his attention and this made me feel honored to be in his presence.  I will miss him.

Sincerely, Thomas Hooper

He was the father in what appeared to be a VERY happy family.  He was friendly and a joy to know.

OBITUARY

Robert W. Cleveland, M.D.

3 October, 1925 – 4 June, 2010

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