Tod M. “Cleever” Steese was born and raised in Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania, to the late Ralph and Belva Steese, on July 5, 1960. Tod was incredibly devoted to serving his community. He spent many years as part of borough council, including time as vice president. He served as assistant coach of the Mifflinburg baseball team, did videography for the Mifflinburg football team, and was a bus driver for athletic events. Tod also spent over 25 years as a PIAA basketball official. Tod was seen regularly throughout the community on his route through town working for Schnure’s Disposal Services.
Tod was a lifetime member of the Mifflinburg Hose Company and spent 30+ years as a volunteer firefighter. His infectious smile and well-known and loved personality helped him shine in public relations for the department. Tod followed in his father’s footsteps and was devoted to assisting with fundraising for the hose company through their annual bingo nights at the fireman’s carnival. Tod was a fantastic engineer for the company. He also was passionate about his role as their tower and driver trainer. Over the years, Tod spent time as ambulance captain, EMT, president, and vice president. He was very proud to be part of the original Mifflinburg Hose Company Honor Guard. Tod had also served as a Union County dispatcher for 911 and as a police officer. He was a volunteer firefighter in Watsontown, where he held the positions of lieutenant and captain for the West Branch Volunteer Fire Company, now known as the Warrior Run Area Fire Department.
Tod was a God-loving man and a member of Christ Wesleyan Church, Milton. He was always known to greet everyone with a smile and a hug. He loved helping with security and youth ministries at his church.
If there was one thing he loved more than being a firefighter, it was his role as a father and grandfather. Surviving are one daughter and son-in-law, Bethanie and Josh Allen, and one son and daughter-in-law, Kyle and Amanda Steese. His grandsons, Braxton Allen, Beau Allen, and Carter Steese, brought him so much joy in life.
His infectious laugh, larger-than-life personality, big hugs, and love for his family, friends, firefighting, and community will continue to live on as memories embedded in many hearts.
I bet Pop Cleever is driving firetrucks all around heaven and having fun, but the best part is there is no fire there, and he just gets to give the people and the kids rides.
-grandson Braxton, age 7
Forever in our hearts! Missing that contagious smile and your amazing sense of humor. Here at Mifflinburg, things just haven’t been the same. You were one of a kind and will be remembered by all. You’ve touched many lives and your legacy will live on!
– Brian & Melissa Zettlemoyer