Karen L. Cleaver

Karen L. Cleaver, 76, of Washington, NJ, passed away on April 2, 2026 at St. Luke’s Warren Campus. Born January 31, 1950, in Plainfield, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Royden and Anna Wolf Barto.

Karen lived in High Bridge, NJ, before moving to Washington, NJ, in 2006. She graduated from High Bridge High School in 1968 and worked for United Telephone Service, in the customer service department, for many years.

An avid New York Giants football fan, she also enjoyed crafts, camping, watching NASCAR, and loved Alex Tribek and David Muir. Karen also enjoyed playing the game Farkle.

She was predeceased by her husband, Ronald Cleaver, Sr., who passed away in 2017, along with her sister Kathy Apgar, who passed away in 2025.

Survivors are her loving children; Keith Cleaver of Washington, NJ, and Ronald Cleaver, Jr. and his wife Michelle of Alpha, NJ, along with her granddaughter, Kassidy Ann Cleaver, her siblings; Paul Golas, Maryanne Peloquin, Roy Barto and Carolann Rodgers. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

She was an avid supporter of Military and Veteran’s causes.

A gathering for family and friends will be held on Saturday, June 6 2026 from 10 AM to 12 Noon at The Finegan Funeral Home, 924 2nd, Ave., Alpha, NJ, followed by a Memorial Service at 12 Noon.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Disabled American Veterans or the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.

The Finegan Funeral Homes of Phillipsburg and Alpha are coordinating her arrangements. Visit www.fineganfh.com