Mr. Leroy Cleveland "Cleve" Tuck III's Obituary
Mr. Leroy Cleveland "Cleve" Tuck III passed away unexpectedly on November 16, 2025, in Gainesville, Florida, at the age of 75. Born on October 24, 1950, in Fort Springs, West Virginia, Cleve lived a life marked by service, skill, and devotion to his family.
Cleve proudly served his country in the United States Navy as part of the Submarine Service where he earned the National Defense Service Medal. His dedication to duty and discipline carried over into his civilian life, where he pursued both academic and technical excellence. He earned an Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Palm Beach Junior College and became an ASE Certified Master Technician—an achievement that reflected his deep knowledge and commitment to his craft. He worked in automotive dealerships as a service manager for many years before advancing to teaching Automotive Technology at the college level. He always had time for students who would call after hours with questions, some long after graduation.
A man of faith, Cleve was Catholic and member of the Knights of Columbus, achieving the Fourth Degree. His spiritual life was a part of his identity and guided him throughout his years.
Cleve had a passion for the outdoors and found joy in hunting, fishing, and all things nature. He also had a keen eye for photography, capturing moments that reflected his appreciation for nature and life. Cleve and Claudia often enjoyed travelling across the United States and cruising to places such as Alaska, the Panama Canal, the Caribbean, and along the Rhine River.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Claudia; his children: Storm Forman, Brian Tuck (Stefanie), and Jennifer Tuck Dillon (Brett); and his cherished granddaughter Lillian. He also leaves behind his sister Judy Rickard (Rick), along with nieces Karon and Judy Jo, and nephew Vernon, Aunt Delma Sexton, Uncle Steve Roach (Vicki), Uncle Eric Roach (Linda), Aunt Shirley Lambert Roach, Aunt Shirley Roach, and great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends.
Cleve was preceded in death by his father Leroy Cleveland Tuck Jr., mother June Danese Tuck, and son-in-law Peter Forman.
May the memory of Cleve Tuck bring comfort to those who knew him and serve as a lasting tribute to a life well lived. He enjoyed a full life and leaves a tremendous legacy. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff at the UF Health Hospital Neuromedicine Intensive Care Unit for their care at the end of his life. They would also like to thank his medical staff at the Malcom Randell VA Medical Center, including Dr. Daryl Fields, Dr. Wanda Martinez, Dr. Frank Conroe, Dr. Eftim Adhami, Dr. Keith Lowe, and their staff for his care throughout the years.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation where he enjoyed visiting with the animals (https://www.carsonspringswildlife.org/donation/) or the National Wild Turkey Federation where he was a member (https://your.nwtf.org/members/donate/).
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 11:30 A. M., at the St. William Catholic Church, 275 Satsuma Street, Keystone Heights, FL with Fr. Jaison Xaviour, celebrant. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:30 A. M. A luncheon will follow at the church.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 12:45 P. M., at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida. The services will start promptly; latecomers will not be permitted entry. A luncheon will follow the services.
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