Russell Clifton

Russell Clifton, beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, died in his Duxbury home at the age of 59 after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Loving husband of Stephen Constantino. Devoted father to George Clifton-Constantino and Charles Clifton-Constantino. Son of Patsy Ziemer Zarcone of Kingston, MA and the late Michael Zarcone of Danbury, CT. Brother of Betty Pokrinchak of Middlebury, CT, Michael Zarcone Jr. of East Setauket, NY, Debbie Zarcone Rajaniemi of Woodstock, CT, Lynn Zarcone of Chardon, OH, Tracy Wackelin of Westbrook, CT, and Patina Gagne of Newburyport, MA. Russell also had numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews he loved dearly.

Russell was born in Pueblo, Colorado on December 25, 1963, and grew up in Danbury, Connecticut. He graduated from the University of Connecticut and went on to work at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, where he helped develop the Wetlands Protection Act. He then worked at Jung Brannen Associates as an architect where he ran large projects in New York City. In recent years, Russell had a successful career as a Realtor with Coldwell Banker in Duxbury, where he was a consistent Top Producer and earned the International Sterling Award for top Coldwell Banker associates worldwide.

Russell's most important job was being the stay-at-home dad for George and Charlie. While he and Stephen raised their family in Duxbury, Russell became a fixture of the town and consistently gave back to the community. He served on the executive boards of the Chandler School PTA and the Friends of the Duxbury Free Library. He made and kept countless friends while volunteering at school events and cheering his boys on the sidelines and in the bleachers. Summers were spent at their house on the Cape in Barnstable Village, where the welcome mat was always out for friends and family to visit. In addition to his family, Russell leaves behind scores of friends in Duxbury, Barnstable and beyond who will miss his presence profoundly.

Russell was an artist, a designer, a lover of a good (or bad) chardonnay. He had a wicked sense of humor, a sharp wit, and would bend over backwards to help stranger or friend at a moment's notice. He lit up a party but also made you feel like the only one in the room when he spoke to you. Russell lived and departed his life surrounded by family and friends who were blessed to know and love him, and who will always remember his unforgettable personality and his giving heart.

All are invited to a Celebration of Life Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 10:30AM at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Duxbury, located at 842 Tremont Street, Route 3A, with a luncheon to follow at the Duxbury Bay Maritime School. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made in Russell's name to the Dana-Farber Jimmy Fund. https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/donate under the name Stephen Constantino.