CHAMPAIGN — “Cleve,” a familiar figure to anyone frequenting a University of Illinois campus bar over the past five decades, left a lasting impact on those who crossed paths with him.
Despite never being a student at the UI, Cleveland Peete Jr. became a campus icon through his work at various bars, where he traded menial tasks for a few drinks.
Known for his sociable nature, Cleve’s closest companions included Tom Coleman and Jedd Swisher, who employed him for approximately thirty years at Campus Sportswear.
Described by Coleman as akin to a brother, Cleve’s recent passing on March 4 prompted UI alumni and local business owners to reminisce about their interactions with him.
Born in 1952, Peete’s presence on campus dates back to the 1970s when he began working at the House of Chin restaurant, eventually becoming a familiar face at Murphy’s Pub, R&R’s Sports Grill, and later, Firehaus.
In 1994, when Swisher and Coleman established Campus Sportswear, Cleve offered his assistance, proving to be invaluable to the business.
Despite occasional absences, Cleve’s motivation to work was often fueled by the presence of beer in the fridge, a detail that Coleman astutely observed.
Communicating with Cleve posed challenges initially due to his dental issues, but his acquaintances quickly adapted to his unique way of speaking through gestures.
Peete’s independence, maintained with support from his family, was commendable, with his living space described as impeccably neat by Coleman and Swisher.
His distinctive style, exemplified by a memorable Christmas party outfit featuring shiny shoes and a pin-striped suit, left a lasting impression on those around him.
Peete’s exceptional memory for faces, as recalled by state Sen. Chapin Rose, underscored his remarkable ability to forge lasting connections with people.
Ryan Block, who interacted with Cleve during his time at Murphy’s, highlighted the campus community’s protective and inclusive attitude towards him, emphasizing his integral role in the local social fabric.
Despite occasional language barriers, Peete’s simple yet effective vocabulary, coupled with his adeptness at nonverbal communication, facilitated meaningful interactions at the bars he frequented.
His unwavering honesty and dedication to his work at Campus Sportswear, as noted by Swisher, endeared him to his employers and colleagues alike.
Brian Colgan, who worked at R&R’s Sports Grill as a UI student, fondly recalled Cleve’s willingness to assist without needing to be asked, illustrating his seamless integration into the bar’s social dynamic.
Peete’s recent passing has sparked a wave of nostalgia among former coworkers and classmates, uniting them in sharing cherished memories of their time spent with him.
His enduring impact on the university community, evident in the widespread fondness and respect he garnered, attests to his role as a unifying figure beloved by many.
Even beyond the campus borders, Cleve’s reach extended to Chicago, where a chance encounter with an acquaintance facilitated his safe return home, showcasing the depth of connections he had forged over the years.
Swisher and Coleman’s playful interactions with Cleve, though at times mischievous, underscored their deep appreciation for his intuitive understanding of people’s needs and his innate sociability.
In retrospect, Cleve’s legacy as a kind-hearted and amiable presence at local bars continues to resonate with those who had the privilege of knowing him, a testament to the enduring impact of his goodwill and camaraderie.