Obituary of Cleve F Laswell

Our North Cape May community sadly lost a pillar on Friday, January 14, 2022, when Mr. Cleve F. Laswell passed away from complications as a result of COVID. Cleve's contributions to the lives of many include but are not limited to his time served in the Army (honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant / E5), countless hours picking up donations for Christ Child Society, serving as Eucharistic Minister & Usher at St. John of God Church, and as a Fourth Degree Knight with the local Knights of Columbus. Cleve – fondly remembered by his family & loved ones as "Papa", loved the food, ambiance and most especially, the incredible staff at Uncle Bill's in North Cape May, and he was instantly recognized by many in the area for his unique 2010 Purple Dodge Challenger – "Papa's Hot Rod". Additionally, Cleve started Papa's Toy Shop (PTS), which showcased his passion for building beautifully unique and personalized wood toys made entirely by hand. While his business had a global reach, with toys shipped to children across the world, what Cleve most enjoyed was seeing the joy & smile on the faces of children at local craft fairs, and most especially, those of his four grandchildren. Cleve is survived by the loving community of North Cape May and his wife of 50 years, Mrs. Phyllis J. Laswell, and their four sons – Scott, Matthew, Brien and Neil Laswell, along with their wives (Kristine, Nicole and Jenn), and his four grandchildren (Emma, Gavin, Halina & Logan). Mr. Laswell is also survived by two siblings, Richard Laswell & Linda Trumble, and five nieces & nephews (Dawn, Dana, Delta, Michael & Mark). Cleve's legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone he interacted with, as well as those he reached but never met. His viewing will be held at Evoy Funeral Home on Thursday, January 20, 2022, from 2 – 4 PM, and funeral services will be held on Friday, January 21, 2022, at 11:00 at St. John of God Church, both located in North Cape May, NJ. The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope Pregnancy Center, PO Box 767, Rio Grande, NJ 08242.