Donald Daniel McCloud

ST. LOUIS — Donald Daniel “Papi” McCloud Jr., born Sept. 6, 1955, in Youngstown, the son of Don “Buster” and Claranne McCloud, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, July 30, 2024.A devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend and coach, he was a graduate and football standout at St. Dominic and Cardinal Mooney High schools. 

Don went on to play football at YSU and was named co-captain in 1977, with longtime best friend, Ron Pentz. He continued to be a dedicated supporter of Penguin football, attending games yearly and hosting tailgates for his family and friends. Don continued his love of sports by coaching his children’s Little League teams and football at St. Dominic, North Catholic and Cardinal Mooney, with his father, “Buster.”

He graduated from YSU and had a successful career in sales, working alongside his loving wife, Lisa. Together they enjoyed traveling and spending weekends at the Lake of the Ozarks with their dog, Otis. Don had a deep unending love for his beautiful family and friends, making the room just a little louder and all the more brighter just by stepping in it. His greatest joy came from spending time with his children and grandchildren, celebrating holidays and any special occasion. Being the eldest of six children, he was the leader of all of the family fun.

He leaves his wife, the love of his life, Lisa, whom he married on July 14, 2020; his children, Danny and Brittany McCloud and their daughters, Conley and Dylan, and Caley and Ben Esseniyi; and his mother, Claranne McCloud. He also leaves his siblings, Patty and Bud Joyce and their children, Ryan (Gretchen) Joyce, and their children, Luke, Hank and Allie; Katie (Justin) Karzmer and their children, Charlotte and Jackson; Megann and Michael Basile and their children, Lindsay and Kyle (Mary) Basile; and Daniel and Taylor (Ian) Martin, Marty and his daughter, Rylee; and Brendan and his daughters, Carly and Jenna McCloud; and nephew, Brady McCloud. He also leaves a special nephew, Jared (Muffy) Fayson and their son, Cruz; along with his aunts, Joan Oles and Marguerite Bluedorn; numerous cousins, whom he loved dearly; along with his Saint Louis and Youngstown extended families. Don was preceded in death by his father, and his brother, Tom McCloud.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Don McCloud Fund / Youngstown Foundation, 100 Federal Plaza East, Suite 101, Youngstown, OH 44503, to help the McCloud family’s mission to support local parochial school sports.

Family and friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel, 3701 Starr Centre Drive, Canfield, OH 44406. The family asks friends to bring any photos of Don to the services to share memories with the family. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, at St. Dominic Church, 77 E. Lucius Ave., Youngstown, OH 44507. 

Honoring Don’s generous wish, the gift of life was shared through organ donation.

Please visit www.higgins-reardon.com to share this obituary and send condolences to the family.