Walter E. Cleland

Walter Earl Cleland son of Howard Cleland and Ruth Taylor passed into eternal life on Sunday January 4, 2026 after a very brief illness.

Walter was raised by his grandparents along with his 7 uncles in Youngstown, Ohio. After serving in the US Navy on the aircraft carrier the USS Kittyhawk, he moved to Schenectady where he met and married Marguerite. He worked at General Electric as a plumber and steam fitter for 30 years before retiring.

After retirement he continued to work various jobs, including Little Sisters of the Poor. He enjoyed making stained glass items, online poker tournaments, and pinochle. He was always willing and ready to help his family, friends, and neighbors. When his mother-in-law, who depended on him passed away, he felt he had lost his purpose in life.

Walter is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marguerite Martucci Cleland, his only daughter, who was the light of his life Tara Cleland Galpin ( Matthew Galpin), his brother-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Catholic Mass will be held in his honor at 1030am on Wednesday January 21, 2026 at St Madeline Sophie Church, 3500 Carman Rd, Schenectady, NY 12303. A luncheon to follow at Canalis Restaurant.