Byron Cleveland Hastings passed away at home on April 28, 2024.
Cleve was born on Sept. 2, 1964, to Tevis Sandorskii and Eugene Sledge in Richmond, Virginia.
Cleve moved with his mom and stepdad, Tom Hastings, to the Midwest, where Cleve went to school in Webster, Wisconsin, before moving in with the Jerry and Mary Hinks family in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, where he spent his high school years. A 1982 graduate of Grantsburg HS, he was known for his athletic prowess in football and track.
Cleve attended college at UW-River Falls before proudly serving in the US Navy. He told many stories, fondly remembering his shipmates.
Cleve moved to Pennsylvania in 2009 to be with his love, Sharon Longo, and her three children, and they spent their lives together as a family, welcoming a grandson this past year.
Cleve had family and friends across the U.S. whom he cherished. He had an infectious smile, easygoing personality and sense of humor that cemented life-long relationships. Cleve’s love knew no bounds and he will be forever missed.
Cleveland will be lovingly remembered by his partner, Sharon Longo, and her children, Samantha (Jerry), LeighAnn and Peter; grandson Matteo (Sweet Pea); mother, Tevis Sandorskii, father, Eugene Sledge and wife, Linda; stepfather, Tom Hastings; brother, Talbert Hastings; brother, Thadeus Sledge and wife Mikerline, and their children Imari and Julian; brother, Lee Hastings; and sister, Margaret Sledge. He is also survived by his foster siblings, Kathy (Kyle) Lexen, Mary (Rich) Penick, Cheri (Ridge) Carmody, Jerry (Jeanne) Hinks, Jennifer (Kevin) Bly, Shawn Hinks, Pat (Tonya) Hinks, and Lucy Hinks; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews whom he adored.
He was preceded in death by foster parents, Jerry and Mary Hinks.
A Memorial Service/Celebration of Life will be held at Trade Lake Baptist Church, Frederic, Wisconsin, on Saturday, Sept. 14, with a visitation at 10 a.m. and service at 11, followed by lunch. All are invited to attend the morning celebrations of Cleve’s life as well as the Cleve Hastings Memorial Gathering from 3-5 that same day at the Grantsburg American Legion Brask Fossum Janke Post 185 in Grantsburg.
