Obituary for Frank L. Clifford
Frank Laverne Clifford, 90, known to his friends and family as “Pete” was born on November 3, 1932 in Pottstown, PA, to the late Charles P. Clifford and Marguerite (Jackson) Clifford.
Pete was educated in Pottstown’s School District and over the years was employed by Doehler-Jarvis and Bethlehem Steel Corporation until its closing. He later retired from The Hill School.
From childhood, Pete was raised to be respectful, responsible, and to treat others as he would like to be treated. These principles aligned well with the values of a soldier which were instilled in him when he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955. The characteristics of a dutiful soldier, such as honor, integrity, and personal courage, describe how Pete lived his life. His philosophy was “once a soldier, always a soldier”, as he often said. As a veteran, he became a member of the local American Legion.
Although Pete was a lifelong resident of Pottstown, he was passionate about traveling the world. He used push pins to document his travels on a framed, personalized map that he entitled “The World and Me”. The map showcased his extensive travels to countless countries in South America, Asia, and Europe. He had an enthusiasm for learning and was genuinely interested in the history of different countries and enjoyed experiencing the people, cultural traditions, and food.
When he wasn’t trotting around the globe, he would keep fit by walking or riding his immaculately kept Schwinn bicycle around town. Before Father Time took his toll, not a day would go by that he wouldn’t take a walk, even on the coldest of winter days. He was well known among those who lived in his community and would often be offered a ride. While he appreciated the gesture, he would kindly decline, responding with “once a soldier, always a soldier” and finished his journey on foot. Other pastimes Pete enjoyed were listening to Nat King Cole and Johnny Mathis, and visiting with his friends and family while sipping on a cold beer or two.
After suffering a short illness, he transitioned peacefully on Friday, March 10, 2023. He is survived by his brothers, Israel Clifford, Sidney Clifford, Sr., and Gary Clifford all of Pottstown, and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Lester Clifford, Charles E. Clifford, and Donald Clifford, and three sisters, Valeria Summers, Carolyn Gibbs, and Claudette Smith.
Pete was a kind and gentle man who took pride in his appearance, possessions, and work. He will be sorely missed by all of those he left behind, but never forgotten.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend a funeral service on Thursday, March 16th, 2023, at 10 AM at Warker-Troutman Funeral Home, Inc. 726 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464. A viewing will be held from 9 AM to 10 AM.
Warker-Troutman Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to serve the Clifford family.
Pete was educated in Pottstown’s School District and over the years was employed by Doehler-Jarvis and Bethlehem Steel Corporation until its closing. He later retired from The Hill School.
From childhood, Pete was raised to be respectful, responsible, and to treat others as he would like to be treated. These principles aligned well with the values of a soldier which were instilled in him when he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955. The characteristics of a dutiful soldier, such as honor, integrity, and personal courage, describe how Pete lived his life. His philosophy was “once a soldier, always a soldier”, as he often said. As a veteran, he became a member of the local American Legion.
Although Pete was a lifelong resident of Pottstown, he was passionate about traveling the world. He used push pins to document his travels on a framed, personalized map that he entitled “The World and Me”. The map showcased his extensive travels to countless countries in South America, Asia, and Europe. He had an enthusiasm for learning and was genuinely interested in the history of different countries and enjoyed experiencing the people, cultural traditions, and food.
When he wasn’t trotting around the globe, he would keep fit by walking or riding his immaculately kept Schwinn bicycle around town. Before Father Time took his toll, not a day would go by that he wouldn’t take a walk, even on the coldest of winter days. He was well known among those who lived in his community and would often be offered a ride. While he appreciated the gesture, he would kindly decline, responding with “once a soldier, always a soldier” and finished his journey on foot. Other pastimes Pete enjoyed were listening to Nat King Cole and Johnny Mathis, and visiting with his friends and family while sipping on a cold beer or two.
After suffering a short illness, he transitioned peacefully on Friday, March 10, 2023. He is survived by his brothers, Israel Clifford, Sidney Clifford, Sr., and Gary Clifford all of Pottstown, and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Lester Clifford, Charles E. Clifford, and Donald Clifford, and three sisters, Valeria Summers, Carolyn Gibbs, and Claudette Smith.
Pete was a kind and gentle man who took pride in his appearance, possessions, and work. He will be sorely missed by all of those he left behind, but never forgotten.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend a funeral service on Thursday, March 16th, 2023, at 10 AM at Warker-Troutman Funeral Home, Inc. 726 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464. A viewing will be held from 9 AM to 10 AM.
Warker-Troutman Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to serve the Clifford family.