Robert L. Clifford
Holden, MA – Robert L. Clifford, 90, passed on Tuesday, September 16,
2025. He is the loving husband of Donette Clifford, with whom he
shared over 50 years of marriage.
Bob was born in Hanover, NH to Charles and Frieda Clifford on March 5,
1935. He was the eldest of 8 children and was just 9 years old when
his dad was called to serve in World War II. Bob then learned how to
run Woodlawn Farm with his mom and siblings. Bob attended Canaan
schools, was a Grange member, and graduated from UNH with a degree in
agriculture. Bob and Donette enjoyed gardening, growing vegetables,
and traveling. He cherished deer hunting time with his brothers. Bob
worked at Rutland Nurseries as a foreman, for 38 years. Later, he
volunteered at Heifer International’s Overlook Farm and raised
thousands of dollars for Christian Rural Overseas Program (CROP.)
Bob loved going to family gatherings and playing cards with his
friends. He sang in the choir at the First Congregational Church of
Rutland. Bob was an avid fan of Laconia Motorcycle Week, the Patriots
and Red Sox. Earlier in his life, he was the 4-H agent in Laconia, NH,
making a home in Gilford with his wife Ginny and their 4 children.
Bob was predeceased by his brother James Clifford, sister Gail Lemere
(Roger) and brother David Clifford (Jo Ann). His surviving siblings in
NH are Louise Clifford of West Canaan, Donald Clifford (Cindy) of
Newport, Nancy LaCourse (Bob d. 2016) of Campton, and Thomas Clifford
(Doree) of Lebanon.
Bob’s children are Mike Clifford (Donna), Patti Clifford (Doug Tankard
d. 2019), Sandy O’Brien (Kevin), and Rob Clifford (Angela). His
grandchildren include Alex, Benjamin, Aaron, Rachel, Beck, Ella,
Norah, Alyson, and Jordan. His great grandchildren are Lily, Jackson,
Ozzie, Elijah, and ZaCaria. Bob was a wonderful Uncle to many nieces
and nephews. The family is grateful to Holden Skilled Nursing for
their 3 years of loving care and to Notre Dame Hospice.
Family and friends are invited to a calling hour on Thursday, October
23rd from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street
in Holden, MA, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM in the
funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Notre Dame Hospice,
555 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605 or online using this unique
code: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/MemorialRClifford.
For the full obituary please visit www.milesfuneralhome.com.