Lucius B. McKelvey

Lucius Blaine McKelvey, age 77, will always be recognized for his innovative leadership within the real estate industry, his unwavering promotion of equal and open housing and for his stalwart dedication to the support and growth of northeast Ohio. In a real estate career spanning more than four decades, L.B. McKelvey’s unparalleled accomplishments earned the respect of his peers in the real estate industry, both locally and on the national level. Known by his initials, L.B. a businessman and philanthropist with residences in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and Jupiter, Florida, died May 20, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. L.B. was born June 11, 1945, in Youngstown, Ohio, and attended Cranbrook Academy in Michigan before graduating from the University of Michigan in 1967.
L.B. made his own name as an entrepreneur and innovator in the real estate business. At Smythe Cramer he served as Salesperson, Branch Manager, General Manager, Executive Vice President, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman, growing the company from a small, five-person office into the largest independent real estate company in Northern Ohio. In 2003, Howard Hanna merged with Smythe Cramer and L.B. stayed on as Chairman until 2008 and then became Chairman Emeritus.
L.B. was an avid philanthropist to the Cleveland Clinic and served as chairman of the Brain Tumor Institute National Leadership Board of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Taussig Cancer Center, the Mayo Clinic, and Jupiter Medical Hospital among others. Mr. McKelvey’s civic and community involvements were robust. He was active with Big Brothers, Rotary, United Way, Leadership Cleveland, and he served on the boards of the Cleveland Ballet and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, and on the Board of Trustees of the New Cleveland Campaign. For more than 20 years L.B. ensured that Smythe Cramer Co. served as one of the primary collection sites for WTAM’s Coats for Kids.
L.B. was an outdoorsman who enjoyed wood carving animals, particularly birds, and was passionate about his numerous interests, including boats, his Harley-Davidson, biking, hiking along beaches, and playing golf. An avid reader, L.B. was in his “happy place” when he could take a stack of newspapers on his boat, called “Chill,” off of the Florida coast.
He was devout in his Catholic faith, attending Mass in Florida and Ohio. Lucius B. McKelvey is survived by his devoted wife, Terrie; his children Jane, Lisa, and Blaine; stepchildren Lauren, Jennifer, and Jason; and grandchildren Bradley, Merritt, Kyra, Caleb and Lily; siblings Tish, Walter (Carol), George (Sherry), Sally (David), Annie (Marty). In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center or The Admirals Cove Foundation to benefit Jupiter Medical Hospital.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 26 from 3pm to 7pm at Steinbauer Funeral Home 33375 Bainbridge Rd, Solon, OH 44139. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, May 27, 11AM at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 496 East Washington St., Chagrin Falls. Interment Tod Homestead Cemetery, Youngstown, Ohio.
Access to the church is best by avoiding downtown Chagrin Falls during Blossom Time and entering the Village from the East on E. Washington from SR 306 and SR422.