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Clifford ALDERMAN Obituary
Cliff was a native of Floyd County, Va., and was a York County resident since 1949. Cliff loved his community, and his community loved him. He never met a stranger. He was a kind, simple, caring man. He was owner/operator of Cliff's Automotive (formerly Cliff's Gulf Station) for almost 50 years, and was a member of Crooks Memorial United Methodist Church in Yorktown.
Cliff is survived by his wife of 62 years, Willa Mae; a daughter, Brenda K. Pezzana and her husband, Dan of Portage, Mich.; a son, Gary Alderman and his wife, Patti of Yorktown; two grandchildren, Brian Pezzana of Clearwater, Fla., Lara Swank and her husband, Dylan of Yorktown; a great-granddaughter, Isabel Marie Swank of Yorktown; a sister-in-law, Julia Belle of Meadows of Dan, Va.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 22, 2010, at Crooks Memorial United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, in Amory Funeral Home, Grafton.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations may be made to York County Fire & Rescue/ Life & Safety, P.O. Box 532, Yorktown, VA 23692, or to the local charity of your choice. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Clifford ALDERMAN
Doug Kanney
November 9, 2010
Of all the people I have known in York County, Cliff was one of the finest. I had the joy and blessing of working for Cliff while I was in high school, of going to church with Cliff and his family, and later in life, being a friend and admirer. There was never a finer man, who loved his community and its people anymore so than Cliff. I will always have good memories of his life, his care and service for others. Cliff was a kind and considerate person who was a friend to many, young and old. He is well remembered and appreciated! Doug Kanney (former worker and friend)
Judy & Bob Letchworth
October 31, 2010
To the Alderman family, Of all the wonderful and kind words about Cliff, they are not enough. He was truly a blessing to this community. I remember telling people if they had carburetor problem...go to Cliff's - Clyde is there! The two of them could fix anything. The prayers of the community will see you through. God Bless.
Robert Seaford
October 29, 2010
Gary and Family,
Seems like I have known Cliff my whole life. Always loved to see him at the station. I remember in Little Leauge seeing Cliff's Gulf on the back of the uniforms. He was always there for the community. I know my Mom and countless other York Co.residents counted on him for guidance and telling it straight. They trusted Cliff unconditionally. I am proud to have known Cliff and proud to call his son a dear friend. Gary your Dad was and is proud of you, you are continuing his legacy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Kathy and Robert Seaford
Bob and Harriett Saunders
October 28, 2010
The Saunders family sends its sincere condolences to you and all your family. Cliff had a life well lived and will be remembered with fondness by countless members of this community.
Anne Rhodes
October 26, 2010
Gary, Patti and Family,
During the summer, we were clearing out Dad's attic and threw a box down the attic stairs. Out fell a whole pile of credit card carbons from Cliff's Gulf (yes, Dad really did save everything). They were from the 70s when all 5 of us Carroll kids were learning to drive, and we found all our signatures plus Mom's and Dad's. We feel like we grew up with Cliff (even remembering when Cliff's was across the street), and remember his friendliness and kindness. Gary, you inherited that kindness, as we were fortunate enough to find out in the way you and Patti were such wonderful, caring neighbors to Dad. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our fathers are with Our Father.
The Carroll Family
Otis Griffin
October 24, 2010
The Griffin family sends it's prayers in this time of need. Sincerely God Bless.
Sherrie Boquet
October 23, 2010
My DEEPEST sympathies go out to Cliffs family. When I turned 16 (A LONG time ago) my dad told me that the only place to get a good honorable state inspection was Cliffs. Over the years I had even traveled from my home at the time in Norfolk to visit Cliffs. Such a wonderful fun man, it was an honor to know him and to frequent his business and ALWAYS see him there with a smile. Sympathies to the Alderman Family and Friends
Chester & Renee Foster
October 22, 2010
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Ruth Diamond (Mangus)
October 22, 2010
Alderman Family,
Cliff was not only a husband, father, businessman, and pillar of our community but also a friend you could depend on. I have such fond memories of him. He always made sure that we where taken care of. He gave us his number to call in case we needed gas in the middle of the night when Vanessa and Dad where sick, or I needed to get to a hospital. When we were little, he would pat my mom on the hand and would give us girls a piece of candy. We will miss his smiles and kind words. He was such a wonderful, kind gentleman who will be missed by all who have had contact with him and his family.
October 22, 2010
Dear Gary and the Alderman Family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you, may you each keep a special memory of him in you heart always.
"Cliff" was a real Southern Gentleman , and our county is the poorer for his passing.
It was our honor to have known him these 26 plus years and a joy to continue knowing Gary and the team at Cliffs Automotive.
Sincerely,
Jan & Don Phillips
Yorktown, Virginia
Eugene Diamond
October 22, 2010
Cliff was a friend of all York County residents who had a mechanical problem or needed a friendly hello or advise on a problem in their life. Your word was your bond and he only ask for your word. His retirement was a loss to the county residents and his death is a deep loss to his family and all his friends. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Mark Friedman
October 22, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
October 22, 2010
My deepest sympathy and toughts with you at this time of the loos of your oved one
Tony Muller
AutoHaus
Peninsula Heavy Duty
October 22, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Rebecca Pickral
October 22, 2010
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Leona Self
October 22, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jon & Louise Miller
October 22, 2010
Gary and the Alderman Family.
You, the family and York County have lost a great person. Cliff was one of the kindest men we ever had the pleasure of meeting. His spirit will live on. Cliff's smile and kindness will be missed by all that had the good fortune to know him.
October 22, 2010
Patti & Family,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Always remember, time heals all and we can only take it one day at a time. Thinking of you in your time of sorrow.
Irene Tyler, Hampton, VA
Nann Ramsay
October 22, 2010
Cliff was loved and respected by all who knew him. He always greated you with a smile and helped you in anyway he could. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family . God bless you and give you peace. Harry and NannRamsay
October 21, 2010
Gary, Your family nor Yorktown will be the same again. Your dad was such an icon of the county. You've got some big shoes to fill and you will do fine. I know you have memories that will carry you. I'm going through a tough time myself as we have a service on Saturday for my sister-in-law. Wanted you to know that I was thinking of you and your family. Ralph Angel
Elvin & Yvonne Adams
October 21, 2010
Gary, York Couny has lost one of its most beloved citizens. His kindness to all was remarkable. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May your memories of past happy times and your faith bring you comfort.
Cheri Eimer
October 21, 2010
Gary, DJ just told me about Cliff. I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family....
Pete Sonon
October 21, 2010
A great man has passed.
The world needs more folks like Cliff Alderman, not fewer.
His smile will not be forgotten.
October 21, 2010
Warm condolences to Gary, Patti, and family.
Pat and Steve Winters (SJA)
David & Ginny Owens
October 21, 2010
To Cliff's family,
Our deepest sympathy is extended to you. May God ease your heartache in this time of sorrow. Cliff was such a a rare gem; a sincere, honest, compassionate person.
With Sincere Sympathy,
Former Residents
Candice LeDoyen
October 21, 2010
Patti and Gary and family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of such a great father, grandfather, and husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Candice LeDoyen
Carrie Russell
October 21, 2010
I'm so saddened to hear of Cliff's passing, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. He touched so many lifes and always had a smile. One of my greatest memories as a child was filling up at the station and seeing Cliff come out to visit with us. He was always laughing and had a pocket full of Bazooka Bubble gum for us. My Grandfather always remembered fondly (and spoke of often) the time he spent with Cliff when he came to visit from Texas. Cliff will always be a special part of York County and all of our memories. Please accept my condolences and prayers.
Ronnie and Denise Weston
October 21, 2010
Gary, Patti and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Cliff's passing. York County has lost a truly genuine and respectable businessman whose legacy now lives on through you Gary. May your heavy hearts be lifted by warm and loving memories during this difficult time.
james Smith
October 21, 2010
Alderman family, Cliff was a fine man, he always found time to take care of his customers, who were his friends much more that just a customer, a wonderful neighbor to us and always had that big smile, Harris Grove won't be the same without him. Our prayers are with you, our loss is Heavens gain, May God give you peace and comfort. Jim & Sherry Smith
Bill Stembler
October 21, 2010
Gary,
Cliff was simply the nicest man I ever met. He will always be my friend.
Bill
October 21, 2010
Alderman Family:
A friendly smile and helping hands was the makeup of this man. It was a pleasure to have know him.
May memories keep you strong and prayers bring you comfort.
(Former Yorktown Resident)
October 21, 2010
Alderman Family:
A friendly smile and helping hands was the makeup of this man. It was a pleasure to have know him.
May memories keep you strong and prayers bring you comfort.
Wendy Kurnas
October 21, 2010
Gary, Patti & Alderman Family - I'm so sorry to here of Cliff's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. May you find rest in the peace only God can provide.
Teresa McPherson
October 21, 2010
Willa Mae, Gary, and family,
I have so many fond memories of Cliff. One of my first memories was at age 5 when mom, Cindy, and I would walk two doors down to the station and Cliff would always give us bubble gum. Many childhood memories and as a teenager, I knew if I ever broke down I could call Cliff (even at home). A few times I would go out in the morning to a car that wouldn't start....run inside call Cliff then minutes later be on my way! No money....just a hug! I'd tell co-workers years later about car issues and they said you sure have connections and get your car taken care of immediately, how is that? I said, "small town.....friends forever". Gary, your father's love and kindness have been given to you.
October 21, 2010
Alderman Family,
We were so saddened to hear of your loss. Our thought's and prayer's are with your family.
Iris Lewis-Watson and family, Yorktown, VA
Nikki cooper
October 20, 2010
Gary and Family, During this sad time we all have wonderful memories of your Dad, he was such a kind and giving man. He has a special place in all our hearts.
Louise LaRoche Hill
October 20, 2010
Gary, Patty and Mrs. Alderman,
I'm so sorry to hear about Cliff. What a Yorktown icon he and his business have been thru the years. Honest, caring and always a smile! He was loved by all and will be missed!
A Friend
October 20, 2010
God saw him growing tired
And cure was not to be
So he wrapped his arms around him
And whispered "Come with me"
A GOLDEN HEART stopped beating
A PEACEFUL FACE to rest
GOD broke our hearts to prove
HE ONLY TAKES THE BEST>
God bless you CIFF, We will miss you so very much, Gary you are a wonderful son, and have been by your dad's side through everything,and now he on your shoulder , as your guuardian angel.
HE is always there helping you through everything
Linda Ward
October 20, 2010
Willa Mae and family, I am so sorry to hear of Cliff's passing. Like so many others I have such fond memories of him while I was growing up. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rosie Driver Edwards
October 20, 2010
Gary and Patti, So sorry to hear of Cliff's passing. He has been such a huge part of the County for many many years. Cliff has been a wonderful part of many peoples lives thru the years and will always be thought of with fond memories. He was always kind and fair to our family and we really appreciated your business being there. It helps to make it feel like coming home with your station there. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Fondly,
Judy Owens-Johnson
October 20, 2010
Gary and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad was such a wonderful man. He always had a smile on his face and kind words for everyone he met. He will be truly missed but never forgotten. I pray for you and your family to find peace and comfort at this difficult time.
juanita halliday
October 20, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers go out to each of you. May God bring you peace through this sad time
The Halliday family
Michael Grow
October 20, 2010
My first job during my years a York High School was across the street from Cliff's Gulf (location of Gary's garage now)!! I will always remember waving to Cliff & thinking "What a wonderful & successful Man"! Gary, If you have access to these post I send my Heartfelt Condolences to you & your family & want you to know that your Pops touched so many with his wonderful smile !!!!!!!
Diane Smith
October 20, 2010
Willa Mae, Brenda and Gary we are so sorry to hear about Cliff's passing. You guys were just part of our family.Cliff was so much a part of Yorktown, you can't think of York County without Cliff being there. I have known you for fifty years and it is so sad to think that he is gone. I guess that he Daddy are up there now swapping stories. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mama and our whole family are here for you, whatever you need. We love you.
Diane Smith
Ricky & Nia Volkers
October 20, 2010
Cliff was such an Awesome man. A very good friend to my "Papou" my mother and my Father. I have many fond memories of him at the station (even the old one across the street) and at the Ranch House. He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him..My father also sends his sympathy as he is out of the country
May your family find peace in this time of sorrow...
Terry, Nia and Gus Poulos
Earnest Wilkerson
October 20, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Paul and Paula Scott
October 20, 2010
Gary and Family, so sorry for your loss and we will be thinking of you in the days to come. With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Lori Williams
October 20, 2010
So saddened when mom called us today with the news of Cliff's passing,. Will never forget the fun times when we use to come down & when you all came home. Cliff was a very special Great- uncle. Love you all. Lori & Deena
Rogers & Debbie Hamilton
October 20, 2010
Gary, Alderman Family, and Cliff's,
We are so saddened and shocked to read of Cliff's passing. He was such a mainstay in Yorktown and a true Southern Gentleman. He will be missed by all of us who had the priviledge of meeting him. Our condolences to all of you.
Ken & Debbie Mirick
October 20, 2010
Gary,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.
Sheree Fox
October 20, 2010
Gary, Patti, Brenda & Miss Willa Mae - Our hearts are all full of so many memories of Cliff and the station as we grew up in York County. Everyone knew Cliff and his huge heart, cheerful smile, generosity to all, and love for his community. It was always a highlight as a child to go up to Cliff's for that special piece of bubble gum or an ice cream and Cliff's warm greetings. Gary, you have been devoted son that could not be surpassed and I know you, the family and his 'extended family' of York County friends will miss him greatly. We love you all and pray for you during this time of sorrow.
cyndi sulzberger wells
October 20, 2010
I was so saddened when dad told me of Cliff's passing. I have such fond memories of him while I was growing up and mom and dad getting their cars serviced there. My deepest and sincere sympathy to all of you.
Cynthia Taylor
October 20, 2010
Gary and family, Milton and I would like to express our deepest sympathy to your family for the loss of your husband and father. Cliff was a wonderful person who has taken care of us and our children. Please except our condolences.
Milton and Delores Borum
Roy Belvin
October 20, 2010
To the Alderman Family,
I was so sorry to hear about CLiff's passing, My love and prayers are with each of you. Your dad was a very kind and caring person and a friend to all of us in York County, he will surely be missed by all.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
York HIgh School Class of 1971
October 20, 2010
Gary,
God BLess, and we were so sorry to hear about the loss of your father, CLiff was
a wonderful person and we will surely miss him. HE was good to so many of us grgrowing uup in York County.
Prayers
Cynthia borum Taylor
October 20, 2010
Mrs. Willa Mae, Brenda and Gary I was deeply sadden to hear of Cliff's passing. He was a kind person and has serviced my family for many years. You are all in my heart, thoughts and prayers. You all have my deepest condolences.
Cynthia Borum Taylor
Alice Owens (Belvin)
October 20, 2010
Dear Willa Mae,
My prayers are with you every day and I know CLiff is watching over you every minute of the day. You have a wonderful son and daughter and family love you very much. I am so sorry for your loss. CLiff was a very special person and loved by so many.
God BLess you
Love and prayers
Alice Owens (Belvin)
October 20, 2010
Dear Gary and Brenda,
Where can one begin to tell you just how wonderful your father was,not only to his family but to all who knew him. The compassion, love , and understanging he had for everyone he knew.The guidance, friendship and love that he gave the guys who worked for him throughout the years , the friendship to all the new State Troopers and deputies of York County was just amazing. If you grew up in York County, most likely your parents went to Cliffs Station for gas, tires and repairs so he knew you when you were a teenager. How many times as a teenager did some of us go to Cliffs to get gas and not have enough money and he would tell us to bring it by later, which we did, always with a laugh and smile, telling us "Bring it by later sweetie" So many times fixing something on your vehicle and not charging you for it, because he wanted us to be safe on the road. You could always count on a hug and that million dollar smile. He loved his family dearly and York County meant so much to him. When God closes a door he opens a window, although your dad is gone, he will never be forgotten. His memory will live on everytime you tell a story or listen to someone else's story about him. This world is changing so much everyday and "CLiffs station" is a place that I hope will remain there for a long time. As hard as it is to realize he is not here on earth with you, he is with Jesus and watching over his wonderful family each and every day , he is right inside your heart. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers for strength, God takes you through one day at a time. The compassion, trust,honesty, and love Cliff had for everyone was worth more than GOLD. You were all truly blessed to have him in your life , and you were all so good to him and took wonderful care of him.
I am sure he is up there swapping stories with "Boss" Moore,Billy Green, Ernest and David Amory, CLyde Wilson and so many other Angels in Heaven who went on before him. Our loss is surely Heavens Gain. May God Bless each of you.
Love and Prayers
Godfrey-Waswa U-Haul
October 20, 2010
Gary, my prayers go out to you and your family for your loss. I will always remember those moments I did spend with him each time I stopped by the station. I will miss him
October 20, 2010
Having been childhood playmates,neighbors and nearly lifelong friends,you know I speak for the whole Goodeyon family when I express our deepest condolences to you and your family. Throughout our lives, your dad always greeted us with that special smile that told us he was genuinely glad to see us. I will always remember that. Mike Goodeyon, Yorktown
David & Lisa Forman
October 20, 2010
Gary & Patti,
Cliff has left his mark on all that had the privilege to know him. He was a great, thoughtful man with a big ol' smile who could make you a friend the second he looked at you. Gary you have followed his footsteps, he is very proud of you! Be happy we had him this long and celebrate the great life he had.
derrick brooks
October 20, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Mike Gardner
October 20, 2010
Gary and Patti, Please accept my condolences to you and your family. Your dad was a kind man, and he will be missed by many.
Chris Cianelli
October 20, 2010
Alderman Family,
Cliff was a kind and wonderful man who will truly be missed. I think most of York County and beyond knew and respected him as a man and business person. Gary, you are probably the most devoted son I have ever known. You also are a wonderful man. You all are in our thoughts & prayers.
Chris & Nick Cianelli
Lara Swank
October 20, 2010
Cliff was a loving, caring, and passionate person. He was always willing to help others in need. He put others ahead of himself. Words cannot describe an angel.
I am lucky to have had such a wonderful person as Cliff to be my grandfather. I love you. You are always in my heart.
October 20, 2010
Willa Mae and family, Our thoughts are with you in this sad event of Cliff's passing. Cliff was a true southern gentleman who always made us welcome in his home. The greater Yorktown community has lost a welcoming friend and supporter!
Love,
Charles and Barbara Erasmi
October 20, 2010
Gary,
You're Dad was a great representative of his generation, honest, hard working and compassionate. You are in my prayers and thoughts at this time of sorrow.
Sylvia Snow
Poquoson
Lara Swank
October 20, 2010
Cliff has always been a loving and caring person. He did not think twice before helping someone. He always thought about others before himself. Words cannot describe what a wonderful person he was.
Thank you grandpa for loving me. I am truly blessed to have such an amazing grandfather. I love you.
Gail Whittaker
October 20, 2010
Gary and Patti: I am so sorry to hear of Cliff's passing. I hope time will ease your sorrow and good memories will take the place of your grief.
Dawn Jensen
October 20, 2010
To the Alderman family and the extended "Cliff's" family. I am very sorry to hear of Cliffs passing. I have been taking my vehicles there for over 20 years because of the great service and family atmosphere. Mr Cliff will be truly missed by all that knew him. God Bless.
Glenn and Jennifer Parks
October 20, 2010
Our Condolences to the Alderman Family, Gary and Patti, I was shocked to hear about Cliff's passing. What a great man.
He will be missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
October 20, 2010
We pray for your tender hearts at this deeply sad time. Cliff will be remembered always by so very, very many. We grieve with you and pray for strength and healing. Mike and Donna Narron
Joan Pierce Holloway
October 20, 2010
Gary and Brenda Alderman so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. May God Bless I went to school with the two of you. May God Bless
Alan and Patti Bartnikowski
October 20, 2010
Our condolences to the Alderman Family. Cliff is a large part of who Alan is today. Cliff's honest and hard work ethic, his respect and love for others are attributes that we have all admired and will always remember. He will be deeply missed.
The Gootees
October 20, 2010
We are so sorry to hear of Cliff's passing away. We first met Cliff in 1975 and realized then that he was a special individual. A man you could trust and rely on. The entire Alderman Family are the same.
Meredith Clements
October 20, 2010
I am sadden to hear of Cliff's passing, my family and I have been using Cliff's since we moved to Yorktown in 1990 and truly think of everyone at Cliff's as family. Cliff was one of the kindest men that I have ever known. His smiling face will certainly be missed around Cliff's. Gary and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
Kim Shields
October 20, 2010
So sorry to hear of Cliff's passing, my condolences are with the family. I remember when I first met Cliff - my husband Wendell used to work for him when he was in high school. Such a kind and gentle man. He will be missed.
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