Obituary published on Legacy.com by Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home on Dec. 26, 2025.
Peter J. Clifford, age 67, passed away peacefully at Lahey Hospital on December 21, 2025. He was the loving partner of Kathy Emmert, with whom he shared many wonderful years together.
Born in
Brighton, Massachusetts on February 10, 1958, Peter was the beloved only child of the late John and Jean (Viator) Clifford. He was a graduate of Gloucester High School and spent his working years doing what he loved most-driving. Peter worked at Doyon's for many years, but his favorite job was driving a Gloucester cab. He loved to drive, and being on the road, meeting people along the way, was the perfect fit for him.
Peter lived simply, but his passions ran deep-especially for the people he loved, football, fishing, and his cherished seaside town, Gloucester. Sundays during football season were sacred and always spent paying close attention to the games. He proudly managed his fantasy football team and could often be found at Rick's, spending the entire day keeping a watchful eye on his favorite teams.
Fishing brought him pure joy. Whether it was at night on the back shore with Rick, or heading out on friends' boats, those moments were ranked among his happiest. The memories and comradery forged while fishing in his beloved town with his closest friends gave Peter true peace.
Peter and Kathy enjoyed traveling together, often guided by Peter's enthusiasm for NASCAR. His journeys took him to Mooresville, NC, where he visited race shops and museums, as well as to the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte and a championship race in Homestead, Florida. The Loudon race was also a yearly tradition. His favorite driver was Ryan Newman, and Peter was thrilled to have met him several times over the years.
Peter's love for sports didn't end at football; keeping up with the Red Sox was something he enjoyed as well. He also attended opening day at Fenway Park when the Red Sox received their championship rings following their historic 2004 World Series win. Other memorable trips included Las Vegas-where he eagerly rode the roller coaster at New York-New York-and a cruise to Nova Scotia, which he greatly enjoyed.
Peter was deeply grateful to the many people who helped him through difficult times in his life. He never forgot your kindness. His signature, beautiful white hair was known to all. When you're driving down the boulevard and catch a flash of white, think of Peter-walking by the ocean, the place he loved most. Peter will be dearly missed, but he will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved him.
Along with his adoring partner, Kathy Emmert, Peter is survived by his best friends, Warren Watson and Rick Peruzzi, as well as the entire Emmert Family, and all his fellow residents and friends of 99 Prospect Street.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Graveside Service for Peter on Tuesday, December 30th at 12:30 pm at Pine Haven Cemetery, 84 Bedford St., Burlington. In lieu of flowers, Donations in his memory may be made to People Helping People, Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 343,
Burlington, MA 01803 or at peoplehelpingpeopleinc.org