Charles Fauver Van Cleve Jr.
July 29, 1931 - November 18, 2023
Charles Fauver Van Cleve Jr, 92, passed away Saturday, November 18, 2023 peacefully at his home in Palm Desert. He was a 50 year resident of the Palos Verdes area. Chuck was born July 29, 1931 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Charles and Lulu Moore Van Cleve. He was a graduate of London High School in London, Ohio and The Ohio State University where he was a member of The Ohio State University Marching Band.
Chuck met his mate of more than 60 years, his college sweetheart and the love of his life, Louise, on the weekend of the infamous “Blizzard Bowl” against Michigan. He was a life member of The Ohio State University Alumni Association, member and past president of the Big Ten Club, and member of Riviera United Methodist Church.
Inspired by the legacy of his ancestors, the Wright Brothers, Chuck pursued his love of aviation for almost 40 years with a career as a fighter pilot in the United States Marine Corps and later as a co-pilot and captain for American Airlines. He devoted his life to his family, his beloved wife, their three children, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law Christi and Bill, Vicki and John, and his son Chuck; grandchildren, Nicole and husband Anthony, Johnnie and wife Noelle, and granddaughter Jane; and four great-grandsons Wyatt, James, Andrew, and Daniel.
Private burial and memorial service at Green Hills Memorial Park will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023, Reverend Sunyoung Lee officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Ohio State University Marching Band. Please designate: In Memory of Charles F Van Cleve to: Dot the "i" Marching Band Endowment Fund Fund number: 641802 Online: https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/641802 By phone: 614-292-2141 Mail check to: The Ohio State University Foundation 14 E 15th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 Fed Tax ID# 31-1145986
Chuck was a member of the marching band from 1948 through 1952. He played Trumpet in B, C, and T Rows.
