Clifford L. Behrendt

1925 - 2018

Clifford L. Behrendt

Palmyra - Clifford Leonard Behrendt, 93, passed away Thursday, November 29, 2018, at Londonderry Village, Palmyra, with his loving wife of 73 years, Jean Getz Behrendt, by his side.

Born in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, on July 11, 1925, he was the son of William Behrendt and Ena Bayens Behrendt. He retired as Superintendent of Cocalico School District in 1985, with over 35 years if dedication and service in education. Graduating from Charleroi High School in 1943, he served in the Merchant Marines in World War II, completing officer's training before moving on to Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1951 in Music Education. His footprint is left in the hearts of many who knew him as first a band director in Charleroi, then moving to Chester County where he started the Octorara High School Band and took them to win the state championship in Pittsburgh within five years. After graduate studies at University of Michigan, Penn State University and Temple University, Clifford became director of Elementary Education in the Octorara Area School District, then the Superintendent at Cocalico School District for over twenty years. His passion for education also lead him to serve as President of Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA) while at Cocalico.

Clifford is survived by his devoted daughter, Deborah J. Bridgewater, and husband John T. Bridgewater, his devoted son, Clifford L. Behrendt, Jr., and wife Kathy Pfautz Behrendt. His uncompromised love for his family was always felt by his surviving sister, Trudy Williamson, four grandchildren, Jennifer and husband Adam Zeni, Kimberly and husband James Franck, David Bridgewater, and Ashley Bridgewater. He was also blessed to get to know all four of his great grandchildren, Evan and Addison Zeni, and Charlotte and Camden Franck. He is also survived by three nieces, Susan Behrendt, Sallie Dornan, Bettyjean Lesnak Steele, and two nephews, William and David Behrendt, and their families. He was preceded in death by two brothers, William and Francis Behrendt, niece Sandra Behrendt, and nephew John Behrendt.

Cliff was a member of St. John's UCC in Denver, PA, where he resided for over 45 years. He was a member of the Free & Accepted Masons for over 67 years, both the Charleroi Lodge #615 and the Reading Lodge #62. He was also a member of the American Legion, Rajah Shrine, and Lions Club.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 15, at St. John's UCC, 659 S. 4th St., Denver, PA. A Masonic Ceremony will be conducted at 10:00 am, followed by visitation at 10:30, and a funeral service at 11:30 with Pastor Brad Haws.

Interment will be on Monday, December 17, at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Indiantown Gap Road, Annville, PA 17003, with the arrival time of 1:30 pm for the 2:00 Veteran's Service. All family and friends are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's UCC, P.O. Box 37, 659 S. 4th Street, Denver, PA 17517, Cocalico Education Foundation, 800 S. 4th St., Denver, PA 17517, or VisionCorps Foundation, c/o Megan Tomsheck, 244 N. Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603.

Arrangements by Roseboro Stradling Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., Denver. Online condolences can be given at roseborostradling.com.