Dear family,

I am saddened by the grief that you are feeling.
Knowing of God's embracing love for you, continue looking to him when he " will wipe all tears from our eyes, death, pain, and suffering will be no more. "  -  Revelation 21:3,4
He says death is an " enemy that will be brought to nothing. "   -  1 Corinthians 15:26
It comforts our hearts to know this pain will be a thing of the past and through Christ a resurrection for our loved ones.

love from a stranger,
jrfdog@gmail.com

This photo was taken at the Wilder Woods concert in Sept. of 2019. We are so thankful for this memory and the time we shared together. We’re thinking of, and praying for, you and the kids. 

Deborah, Ren and Nate,

May God comfort you during this trying time as you grieve Dennis' passing on to our Maker.  It was my joy to faithfully keep him in prayer, and I thank God for victories along the way. May loving memories of your enmeshed lives warm your heart until you reunite for eternity. ❤️ 

Big hug,
Yvette Apodaca (Kiana's mama :) 

Dennis was a true friend and I already miss him immensely.  He was always kind to others and someone who had patience to always help uplift and affirm others.  I never heard him say one bad thing about anyone else. We shared many laughs and good times. However, we also shared thoughtful and real conversations.  He was a model of discipline whether it be lifting weights and walking in the mornings or by cutting out early on Saturday night so that he could get to church early on Sunday to help set up.  I learned a lot from his actions. He was a model husband, dad, friend, and Christian. 

I had the absolute pleasure of working with, and befriending Dennis at Walmart and more recently at SASR. I am 100% confident that I have never and will never meet a more positive, uplifting and devout human being than Dennis. No matter the circumstance you could always lean on him to take some of your burden, counsel you and make you feel loved. I take solace in knowing that he is at peace and will always be looking down on his friends and family. You are missed sir.

Dear Deborah, Ren, and Nate, It is with our deepest  sympathy for your  loss of Dennis, your husband, and father. We have enjoyed  knowing you all for many years  while visiting our daughter Deb & husband John  Dornan, your close friends and grandchildren, many of whom were raised with Ren and Nate and remain friends to this day. Dennis was always a joy with a smile and a story to tell. He was so proud of you Deborah and his children.  We hope the many memories you have will bring you peace and comfort. With love,
, Corky & Carm Zaleski 

I am so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of Dennis from West Raleigh. He was always the most positive one on the field and in the stands. He was a great example to all the boys and truly spread light to this community. 

One of my favorite pics of Dennis and Nate! My heart goes out to all who loved Dennis💕

My sincere condolences to all the Cleveland’s.  God’s comfort be yours.
Love & prayers.
Becky Staley

Our hearts go out to Deborah and all who he loved and loved him. Prayers of peace for all. 

Dear Deborah and family, I am so sorry for your loss. May God keep you in the palm of his hand during this difficult time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. 
Love and hugs, 
Greg Fisch and family

This is big cousin Dennis reading to little cousin Jackie.  Sweet memories of a wonderful guy!! We love you Dennis! 

I was so saddened to receive the news yesterday evening of Dennis passing. My heart does out to you Deborah, your two pride and joys, and all your family.  I will be there at the memorial service on Saturday. Sending all our love and kindness to you all.

Tee, Bill, and family.



I only met Dennis once and he made a huge impression on me.  It was at his mom's funeral (we were there for Jean)and he came up to introduce himself.    Dennis was pretty far along with his cancer at the time, I think, and I’m sure he was not feeling well but you couldn't tell.   He was such a positive guy.   He had every right to talk about the sorrow of losing his mother, or complain about how he was feeling, but he didn’t.   He asked all about my family and expressed nothing but gratitude for his life.  Even though he wasn't well he was more concerned about others than himself.  Amazing.    I know he's up in heaven, in peace and comfort with his mom and dad looking down on Team Cleveland.   Rest In Peace Dennis.  

Our deepest condolences to you all. Deborah, You and Dennis were such great friends to our Ashley. He helped build Grayson’s swing set. Helped her move, and he baptized her at Hope. You both always sat with us at church. I will never forget all that he has done for my family. He will live on in our hearts forever. I’m sure Ashley was waiting to hug him. We love you all. 
Roxanne, Kenny, and Grayson Peroni

OBITUARY

Dennis James Cleveland

February 19, 1961 – November 3, 2022

Apex Funeral Home

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