Clifford Akey Jr.

Clifford J. Akey, Jr. GREENFIELD, MA-Clifford J. Akey Jr., passed away quietly with his family by his side on Jan. 1st at the young age of 84, at the Holyoke Soldiers Home. Cliff was born on Dec. 28, 1926, in Montague, the son of Clifford J. and Marie (Fisher) Akey. He was a life-long resident of Greenfield. He graduated from Greenfield High School in 1944 and served two years in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater as an aviation Radioman 3rd class. He was in the first graduating class of Merrimack College in 1951. After college, he joined his father at Akey Insurance Agency and eventually ran the business with his brother Ralph. Three of his children currently run the agency. Over the years, he was a member of the Greenfield Elks and Knights of Columbus. He served as Greenfield town assessor, member of the finance committee, Calvary Cemetery committee. Cliff was a communicant and usher at Blessed Sacrament Church. He was a referee for the Franklin County Hockey Association, as well as sponsoring it and Babe Ruth. He was an avid Red Sox fan and season ticket holder. Over his lifetime, he enjoyed bowling, golfing, attending auctions, jigsaw puzzles, traveling and snowmobiling. It was his tradition to build toy boxes for his family and friends. He worked tirelessly in his yard and locals will recall the countless celebrations held at 84 Wildwood Ave. Cliff was a familiar face at Brad's Place and Bill's Restaurant. Cliff, who many will remember as Pepe, will be sadly missed by the community and especially his family. He leaves behind the love of his life, Ruth Mary (Koch) to whom he was married for 59 wonderful years, and his seven children, Kathleen A. Wilkins and her husband, Bruce, R. Thomas and his late wife, Karla, Carole A. Jarvis and her late husband, Michael, all of Greenfield, David and his wife, Ann Margola, of Petersham, Anne M. Schwartzman and her husband, Hayim, of Saratoga Springs, and Ulverston UK, Nancy A. Robie and her husband, Paul, of Northfield, and Daniel J. Akey and his wife, Pam, of Belchertown; 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is survived by two sisters, Mary Sokolosky of Greenfield, Dorothy Mula of Waltham; a brother, Harold of West Springfield, their spouses and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Ralph and John and his infant sister Anne. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Holyoke Soldiers Home, 110 Cherry St., Holyoke, MA 01040, Alzheimer's Association and Blessed Sacrament Church in Greenfield. Funeral services will be Wednesday morning (1/5) at 9:15 a.m. from the Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal St., followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 in Blessed Sacrament Church with the Rev. Timothy J. Campoli officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Calling hours will be Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Sympathy message available at kostanskifuneralhome.com.