Troy Edward Cleveland

Troy Edward Cleveland was born on March 17, 1943 and passed away on September 21, 2024. He is survived by his sister, Cathy (Cleveland) Heckman, his daughter, Jennifer Cleveland, son-in-law, Mark Kalamaridis, granddaughter Chloe Kalamaridis and grandson, Evan Kalamaridis. He is preceded in death by his wife Penelope (Rutherford) Cleveland, and his son Scott Cleveland.

Troy grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska and attended the University of Nebraska for both undergraduate and law degrees. He married Penelope “Penny” Rutherford in 1966. Troy was active as a Reserve Officer Training Corps cadet, and he committed to military service after receiving his law degree. He served his four years in the US army and then the couple then spent 16 years living in Europe (Holland and Germany) while Troy worked as a civilian for the Judge Advocate General’s office (JAG). They had two children, Scott and Jennifer, and the family enjoyed travelling and experiencing the European culture. Troy developed a passion for repairing and restoring clocks and collected dozens of antique European clocks throughout his lifetime.

In 1985, Troy and Penny moved to San Antonio, Texas where they remained for the next 39 years. Troy had a practice specializing in bankruptcy law, and the couple enjoyed singing in their free time beginning with the Texas Bach choir (no longer in existence), Musica Sacra, and several church choirs in the area, most notably at Alamo Heights Presbyterian church for the last 20 years.

Never one to rest on his laurels in retirement, Troy went to Iraq (2010-12) as a US government employee, helping to re-build Iraq’s legal and court system after the Iraq war. He was awarded the “Commander’s Award for Civilian Service” for his leadership and expertise in coordinating and implementing multiple projects in the Wasit Province of Iraq. Specifically he assisted in rehabilitating provincial courts (helping to provide them with computer automation, internet connectivity, etc.) and established a close personal relationship with the local Wasit Chief Judge. The award letter stated, “Mr. Cleveland’s contributions to the modernization of the court system in Wasit Province have been exceptional and have laid a strong foundation for a continuing relationship between the Wasit courts and the American Embassy in Baghdad.”

As if going to Iraq at the age of 67 wasn’t enough, Troy worked part time as a bus driver for Northeast Independent School District (NEISD) for the following 10 years. He was an avid tennis & squash player, skier, and enjoyed jazz and classical music. He played the clarinet and saxophone and was a proud early member of the musician’s union beginning at age 15. He also loved politics and red wine. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

A Service will be held in his honor at Alamo Heights Presbyterian Church in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday, November 2nd at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Colon Cancer Coalition (coloncancercoalition.org/donate).