WILMINGTON - Alden Burke Cleaver Sr., age 82, of Wilmington, passed away on Wednesday, June 22, 2011. He was born on July 23, 1928, to the late Olan J. Cleaver and Leila (Leasure) Cleaver. Burke is a graduate of Newark High School, Class of 1948. Burke served in the U.S. Army as an instructor during the Korean War. He worked as a caretaker and supervisor of the University of Delaware Good Stay / Wilcastle Center now known as Arsh Hall. He retired in 1993 after working for over 40 years. Burke was a member of the Del Penn Garden Association, Delmarva Poultry Club, Future Farmers of America (FFA), and the Dahlia Society of Philadelphia. He was also a leader in the 4H Club. He was a poultry breeder who showed in various state and county fairs. Burke enjoyed his family, gardening, farming and the love of life. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Caroline R. Cleaver of Wilmington; sons, Alden B. Cleaver Jr. and his wife, Judith of Wilmington, and Andrew B. Cleaver of Wilmington; sister, Audrey Laws of Newark; brother, Olan J. "Jackie" Cleaver Jr. of New Castle; sister-in-law, Eleanor Webb of West Grove, Pa.; step grandchildren, Elizabeth and Nathan Hall; and great-granddaughter, Ava. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ben Cleaver and George Cleaver. Family and friends are invited to attend visitation on Tuesday, June 28, 2011, at R.T. Foard and Jones Funeral Home, 122 W. Main Street, Newark, DE 19711 from 7 to 9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church and Cemetery, Kennett Square, Pa., privately at the convenience of the family. The family wished to thank the staff on the 5th floor of Christiana Hospital for all their support. To send condolences visit www.rtfoard.com.