John R. Clifford
1929 – 2011

HOLYOKE – John R. "Jack" Clifford, 82, of Southwick Road, Westfield died Saturday at the Holyoke Soldier's Home surrounded by his family. Jack was born in Springfield; he was a 1947 graduate of West Springfield High School and lived in West Springfield most of his life before moving to Westfield in 1985. He was a supervisor of production for Friendly's Ice Cream and retired in 1984 after 33 years. Jack served in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Midway during the Korean War and also at Westover during the Berlin Airlift. He was a member of the West Springfield Elks Club and the American Legion Post 2714. He was an avid bowler and gardener, who will be remembered for his sharp sense of humor. He leaves his wife of 55 years Katharen F. (Wermuth) Clifford; a son John E. Clifford and his wife Melissa, of Madbury, NH; two daughters, Cheryl A. Marco, and her husband Edward, of Havertown, PA, and Frances C. Healey and her husband Brian, of North Andover. He also leaves a sister Jean Burke of Westfield and six grandchildren Carli and Abby Marco, Emma and Bridget Healey and Jack and Nathaniel Clifford. He was predeceased by his brother Ted Clifford in 1955. The family wishes to thank the staff of 1 North and 3 North at the Soldier's Home for their compassion and excellent care. The funeral will be held at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home Tuesday at 12:00 Noon with burial in the Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service Tuesday from 11:00am – 12:00 Noon. For online condolences please visit curranjones.com. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Soldier's Home, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, 01040 or to Hospice Services of Western Mass, 1325 Springfield Street, Feeding Hills, 01030.