Edward Joseph Clifford

Edward "Cliff" Clifford, 89 of James Island, South Carolina, was reunited with his mother, father, and siblings, when he was peacefully called home to Heaven Sunday, July 22, 2012. A Funeral Mass will be held, Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Folly Beach, SC. Prayers of Final Commendation and Farewell will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL.

Mr. Clifford was born March 19, 1923 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, son of the late Edward Thomas Clifford and the late Margaret Ellen McCaffrey Clifford. He was a proud high school graduate of the Class of 1942 Central District Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, PA. He was very proud of this accomplishment.

In 1952, he joined the United States Merchant Marines where he reported for duty on the Great Lakes. Throughout his life, having ups and downs as many of us do, in his own words, accredits the, "extending of his life line" to Dr. Abraham Twerski, of the Gateway Rehabilitation Center in Pennsylvania when he became and stayed sober since 1972.

Though never married nor having children, his family extended beyond blood relatives to all those he met, staff and members alike, at the Allegheny Country Club in Sewickely, PA where he served as a Waiter and Greeter for 50 years. He was the number one requested server by members for events because of his professionalism, charm and incurable sense of humor. Humor was a huge part of his life, so much so that he created and was the sole contributor to a monthly comedy column in the Allegheny Country Club Staff Newsletter, entitled, "Eddie's Corner". Laughter was his life as he shared many one liners and anecdotes with everyone he met; no matter where he was, he never met a stranger.

He relocated to James Island, South Carolina in 2008 with his niece, Marilyn Clifford, giving him a new place and opportunity to spread his cheer. He became a member of the Lowcountry Senior Center and quickly made new friends with local businesses, stopping in to patronize their business and share his talent as an entertainer. He was the unofficial "Good Will Ambassador" for Pittsburgh, PA and James Island, SC. He was never hard to spot in a crowd as he had a dressing style all his own; one red sock, one green sock, plaid shorts, a striped shirt and the infamous bow ties that he would wear. He was a huge fan of music of the Big Band Era and had a wealth of appreciation and knowledge on the subject. His memory and gift of laughter will live on. He will be loved and missed by all that knew him.

He is survived by six nieces and nephews, two great nephews, one great niece, and two sister-in-laws.

Memorials may be made to Alzeheimer Association, SC Chapter, 2090 Executive Hall Road, Suite 130, Charleston, SC 29407.