Francis E. Clothier

Francis E. Clothier, 86, of Riverdale, formerly of Fair Lawn, died Thursday, January 26, 2012 at Wayne View Care Center after a long illness.

Born in Philadelphia, Francis was the son of Francis and Dorothy (nee Blaine) Clothier. Raised in Olney, a suburb of Philadelphia, he served with the Merchant Marine during World War II. Loving his time at sea, Francis became a ship electrician, the majority of his career working for U.S. Lines. Through his travels with work, he met his wife, Daphne M. Miller in South Africa. The two were married in her home country before settling in Manhattan, and later, Brooklyn.

Francis and Daphne started their family in Brooklyn, and lived their until moving to Bergenfield before settling in Fair Lawn, where they lived for 30 years.

A loving father and husband, Francis enjoyed spending his leisure time with photography, listening to his collection of music and reading about the world events in which he was very interested.

Francis is lovingly survived by his wife, Daphne; his children, Barry Clothier, Steven Clothier and his partner Dan Charrow, and Carol Prisco and her husband Paul; his siblings, Helen, Billy, Sandy and Dorothy; and his grandchildren, Christian, Michael, Noelle,Troy and Nick. He was predeceased by his siblings, Richard, Raymond and Edwin.

Friends are welcome to visit with the family on Wednesday February 1, 2012 from 11 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Cremation was private.