John "Pete" Bartlett Cleaves

John Bartlett Cleaves (Pete), passed away peacefully in his home on Hilton Head Island on January 31st, 2022.  He leaves behind his adoring wife Ellen Fairbanks Cleaves, his four boys, Craig Bartlett Cleaves (Liz), Brian Scott Cleaves (Lily), Eric Alan Cleaves (Sandy), Dean Michael Cleaves (Carolyn), two stepchildren Meigan Sullivan Risse (John), James Andrew Sullivan Jr. (Kristy), fifteen grandchildren, and five great grandchildren who will miss him dearly.

Born in Belfast Maine on February 5th, 1935, Pete grew up loving all things outdoors. He spent most of his childhood in Washington, DC, however he never lost touch with his Maine roots, spending most summers there on the water. Pete attended the University of Maryland and was a lifelong Terrapin fan.  Later he went on to serve our country as a very proud member of the United States Marine Corps.

Pete was an avid golfer and had a true love for the game. So much so, he had 10 hole-in-ones over the years. Pete also loved to sail and spent a lot of his free time racing sail boats out of Annapolis Maryland.

After school, Pete went on to have a successful business career. He was the President of Cleaves Food Service Corporation based in Silver Spring Maryland. In 1970, he was elected President of the DC Restaurant Association. He sold his business in 1983 and began working for Kemper Sports for the next 20 years.  His position evolved, and eventually he managed all operations of the Kemper Open Golf Tournament which was played at both Congressional Country Club and TPC Avenel.

Pete and Ellen moved to Long Cove Club on Hilton Head Island and were immediately immersed in the community.  Over the last 20+ years, they have developed and maintained an extensive network of friends in the Long Cove Community.

Pete will be remembered by the love he had for his family along with his witty sense of humor. He lived a full life and will forever be missed by those he was closest to.

A celebration of life will be held at Long Cove Country Club on February 11th from 12:00PM-2:00PM.   In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Pete’s honor to Hospice Care of the Low Country, PO Box 3827 Bluffton, SC 29910.