Thomas Jude Van Cleef, age 63 resided in Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away on July 6, 2020. Thomas was born in Brooklyn, NY to William David Van Cleef and Marie Rudolph on November 16, 1956. The family moved to Las Vegas in 1972 where Thomas graduated from Vo-Tech in 1974. He then entered into his first four years of the Army. Once out, he became a Park Ranger and a Sizzler cook (he loved him some sizzler), before continuing his military career. He would go on to retire from the Army National Guard with 28 years of service as a Rank 1 SG E8. While away from the National Guard, Thomas worked for the U. S. Postal Service. He had recently retired after 44 years, on May 2, 2020. Devoted Democrat and advocate for his union, “NALC”, always helping others (food drives, fundraisers, or something political). He would continue to write wrongs in the work place as a union officer! In what little free time he had he enjoyed spending it with family, traveling, his Mopars and… his miller lite. Thomas was an amazing Husband, Father, Son, Brother, and Friend, he was married to Helen Anne Yee September, 2, 1992. Thomas had two children, Veronica and T.J. His daughter Veronica passed away 1/28/2019. He will be joining his brother Christopher Van Cleef and is survived by his wife Helen, his son TJ Van Cleef, his mother, Marie R. Johnson, Sisters Judith Van Cleef, Christine Haines, Vicki Cope, Maureen Woodward and brothers Bill Van Cleef, Stan Van Cleef and Michael Van Cleef. Thomas believed in honor, integrity, honesty, dignity, respect, duty, loyalty and selfless service. Thomas was an incredible man and a faithful servant to all. He will be greatly missed!
Services are as follows: Viewing, Tuesday July 14, 2020 from 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm at Palm Mortuary on Eastern (175 capacity – masks required). Services are July 15, 2020 at 8:00 am (175 capacity – masks required) with Military Honors at the VA Cemetery in Boulder City (50 capacity with masks required). Immediately following will be a Celebration of Life at the NALC Union Hall located at 2620 E Sunset RD. Unit A, Las Vegas NV, 89120
