Winifred Van Cleaf

Winnie Van Cleaf, a native Staten Islander passed away at home October 31, 2021. She attended PS 18 and McKee Vocation and Technical Highschool where she studied art. She met her future husband, Everett Van Cleaf at a dance and married on December 4, 1949, were married for 52 years. Everett passed away May 25, 2000. Winnie’s first job was with the New York telephone company in West Brighton. She then worked for the Arthur Kill Correctional Facility from where she later retired. She enjoyed playing scrabble, reading the Staten Island Advance and completing crossword puzzles. In her spare time she was always found with a book in her hand, as she enjoyed reading so much. She enjoyed time with her family and friends. She is survived by her sister Dolores Zeryack, her 6 children John Van Cleaf, Everett (Teddy) Van Cleaf Jr., Sandra Long, Carol Van Cleaf, Mark Van Cleaf, Patricia Cormican, 11 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter. She was predeceased by her brother Frank Smolka and sisters Anne Levato, Gertrude Pizzolo and Loretta Smolka.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caseymccallumrice.com for the VAN CLEAF family.