Alfred R. Cloud Sr.

Today, we honor the life of Alfred Roosevelt Cloud, known as "Big Al". He was 83 when he transitioned on November 15, 2025, at 12:20 am, at UPMC Community Osteopathic in Harrisburg, PA. Born in Rock Hill, South Carolina, to Allbright Cloud and Gertro Moore, Alfred spent years celebrating his birthday on August 1-only to later discover his actual birthday was August 10, 1942, a fact he took in stride with his usual calm humor. Alfred went from a strong man walking tall to facing the challenges of Parkinson's and other health issues in his later years. He never complained and faced everything with quiet strength.

Right after attending Emmett Scott High School, Alfred joined the Air Force. Not long after, he found out his beloved grandmom back home in Rock Hill had fallen seriously ill, so he traveled with her to Harrisburg for an uncle to help care for her. After Alfred's grandmom passed with a loving family in Harrisburg, Alfred returned to the military-this time, serving in the Marine Corps. While serving on tour, he was injured in the Vietnam War in 1969 and sent to Hawaii to recover. He was honorably discharged in 1971 and returned to Harrisburg. Alfred proudly served in the United States Marine Corps and was awarded a Purple Heart after being injured in the Vietnam War.

On July 24, 1982, Alfred married Norfay Cloud, and together they built a blended family that meant everything to them. He embraced Treasy and Dewayne as his own, raising them wholeheartedly with the same steady, faithful love he gave to Booba and Avery.

Alfred was a hardworking provider, working two full-time jobs for some time-28 years at Bell Telephone and nearly 10 years at the New Cumberland Army Depot. He had a calm, laid-back spirit, a funny sense of humor, and a deep love for family. He enjoyed sweets, family meals, lottery scratch-offs, golfing, pinochle, cowboy-and-Indian shows, and road trips down south to visit family. He loved attending family events, spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and rooting for his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. He also enjoyed the dog races and the horse track. He was a man of few words but filled them with his presence.

Alfred accepted Jesus as his Savior under the leadership of Pastor Michael J. Golden at Cornerstone Baptist Church. Later, he faithfully attended Steelton Mennonite Church under the leadership of Pastor Victor Romain as a member with his wife and grandchildren until his health hindered him.

Words of wisdom that he shared: "It is what it is-what am I supposed to do?" "Everything that glitters ain't gold, and everything that shines ain't a diamond." He encouraged us to slow down, saying, "Take your time. There's no need to speed. Slow is pro." These lessons, spoken in his calm, familiar voice, are gifts he leaves behind.

Alfred is survived by his loving wife, Norfay Cloud of Steelton, PA; one daughter, Roshaye "Treasy" Johnson, and her husband, Johnny Johnson, of Steelton, PA; three sons: Robert "Dewayne" Dickey, Jr., of Harrisburg, PA, Alfred "Booba" Cloud Jr. of Steelton, PA, Avery Cloud, and his wife, Kynisha Cloud, of Harrisburg, PA; Six grandchildren: Damian Rexroth of Steelton, PA, Jasmine De Alva and her husband Tyler De Alva of Surprise, AZ, Avery Cloud Jr of Harrisburg, PA, Messiah Cloud of Enola, PA, Farrah Cloud of Harrisburg, PA, and Josiah Cloud of Harrisburg, PA; Three great-grandchildren all of Harrisburg, PA: Thiago Perez, Kota Rexroth, and Nalu Murray-Rexroth; and his goddaughter, Chante Moore of Waldorf, MD; even though Alfred was an only child, he never lived like one. He grew up surrounded by relatives who lived like brothers and sisters, and their children were embraced as his own nieces and nephews. He loved them deeply, and they loved him the same. There are so many more loving and supportive family members and friends. You are not forgotten!

Alfred will be remembered for his warm presence, his love for family, his unforgettable laugh, and all the small joys that made life sweet.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

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