Eugene Philip Clifford

Eugene Philip Clifford, born on the 7th of October 1941 in Laurelton, Long Island, joined his Heavenly Father on March 12, 2022, at Hartford Hospital after a sudden and unexpected illness. Eugene, or Gene as he was commonly known, leaves behind his devoted wife of 56 years, Janice Zimbardi Clifford. Gene was the adoring father of his two beloved daughters, Jennifer Jo Clifford Hussey of Rocky Hill, CT and Susan Clifford LeVay of Crofton, Maryland and their husbands, Sean Reed Hussey and Jason Paul LeVay, both of whom he was immensely proud to call son. Gene's grandchildren, whom he considered his greatest gifts, are Madison Rose Hussey, Tyler Reed Hussey, Edward Albert LeVay, and Evelyn Elizabeth LeVay. They all feel the void their Papa has left behind. Gene is also survived by his loving sister Helen Carol Clifford of Scarsdale, New York as well as his adored sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward Leo Clifford and Helen Secor Clifford of Scarsdale, New York, as well as his brother William Edward Clifford of West Hartford, Connecticut. Gene was an avid reader. He could always be found sitting at the kitchen table devouring a detective novel. He donated bags upon bags of his favorites to Danbury Hospital over the decades he lived in Danbury, Connecticut, where he made his home for 50 years before relocating to Rocky Hill. He also had a passion for antique cars. Along with that came an uncanny ability to identify the year, make, and model of any vehicle he was shown. And of course, one cannot forget his love of Elvis Presley and all songs that belonged to the Doo Wop era. While Gene fancied himself a singer whose voice was similar to his idol Elvis, this often embarrassed his children, especially while in Church. Gene was a loyal parishioner of St. Gregory the Great Parish in Danbury, during his time on High View Circle. His neighbors, both past and present during his years there, were loved deeply by Gene and his family will continue to regard them as members of their extended family. Upon reflecting on his life, one would be remiss if his sense of humor, laugh, kindness, and generosity were not celebrated. Gene would be brought to tears if he learned of anyone struggling with hardship and never hesitated to help a friend or stranger in need. To all who endured his love of storytelling (and retelling) over the years, his family thanks you for your patience. They hope you remember him with a smile. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 19th at 10a.m. Directly in St. Josephine Bakhita Church, St. James Campus, 767 Elm St. Rocky Hill. Burial will be private. Family and friends are invited to the Giuliano-Sagarino Funeral Home at BROOKLAWN, 511 Brook St. Rocky Hill on Friday from 4-6p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Gene's memory to an organization that he and his family hold close to their hearts, The Scotty Fund, P.O. Box 1080, Bethel, CT 06801. For online guestbook please visit www.brooklawnfuneralhome.com.