Former longtime Harvard resident

Thomas N. Cleveland, 68, of West Boylston, passed away at the Oakdale Nursing Home on Jan. 24, 2012 with his loving wife by his side.

He was born in Boston on Dec. 10, 1943. Tom is survived by his wife of 44 years, Mary (Threadgould) Cleveland; one loving daughter, Tracy N. Cleveland and her partner, David L. MacDonald; one grandson, the joy of his life, Cooper David MacDonald of Danvers; his loved brothers and sisters-in-law, Tim and Kathy Threadgould and Rob and Tanya Threadgould of Rutland, Mike and Doreen Threadgould of Sutton; several nieces, a nephew, great-nieces, and a great-nephew.

Tom worked in construction for 40 years, most of it with Arthur Schofield, Inc. of Wayland, Mass., as a construction superintendent. He also worked for R. Bates Sons of Clinton and Harnum Trucking of Burlington.

Tom lived in Harvard most of his life. In 1999 he and his wife moved to Arizona for 10 years, returning to Massachusetts in 2009 to be close to family.

Tom struggled with depression for most of his life, a disease that is too often overlooked and most often considered a weakness. Although in the end it was cancer that took him, we will remember the strength and perseverance he had throughout the years. This strength and perseverance can also be attested to by his 36 years of sobriety with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous. In his memory, please be kind and non-judgemental to all. As he would say, "We have not walked in their moccasins."

Tom was an anatomical gift donor through Anatomy Gifts Registry.

Calling hours to celebrate Tom's life will be held at the Manor Restaurant at 42 W. Boylston St. (Rt. 12), West Boylston, on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 2 to 5 p.m.