Clifford Thomas Fairbanks Jr.
1927-2013
85, of Rancho Cucamonga, passed away on Saturday March 16, 2013. He was born on May 4, 1927 to Clifford Sr. and Margaret Fairbanks. Cliff spent his childhood in McKees Rocks, PA until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy just before his 18th birthday. During W.W. II he served his country proudly where he was stationed in Hawaii aboard the U.S.S. Passumpsic until 1947. After an honorable discharge Cliff moved to CA with his parents. He worked at Thiem Industries in Torrance for 27 years, where he retired at the age of 67 when his company went out of business. In his younger years Cliff enjoyed riding motorcycles and piloting small planes. Cliff would never admit it, but he was a very humble man, that is until he received his high school diploma in 2012, 67 years after leaving high school early to enlist in the Navy. This was a huge accomplishment and meant so much to him after all of these years but never letting it hold him back in life. He carried his diploma with him everywhere he went and showed it off proudly to any and everyone that wanted to see it. Cliff is survived by his loving wife of 26 years Barbara, his 2 daughters Cheryl (Al) Flynn, Nancy Joelson, 2 stepdaughters Sandra (Martin) Serna, Denise Mariani (Rob Morgan), 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. His family meant the world to him and he loved spending time with each and every one of them. Along with being an amazing, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Cliff was a great friend to any and all who knew him. He was a regular at Mimi's Café and knew all of the staff and regulars that came in. Cliff also looked forward to attending his Navy ship reunions once a year and kept in close touch with many of his shipmates. His sense of humor was one of his most endearing traits and could always find a way to make you smile and laugh. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him but absolutely never forgotten. A celebration memorial of his life will be held on Saturday, March 30 at 10:30 AM at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church in Rancho Cucamonga. Committal for family and close friends will be held on April 1 at 10:45 AM at Riverside National Cemetery.
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3 Entries
A very nice man indeed, fought for our freedom. Rest in Peace.
Ano Nymous
June 16, 2013
Missing you Daddy. We had a lovely celebration of your Life today.
Cheryl Flynn
March 30, 2013
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Charles and Judi Fike
March 28, 2013
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