It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Jeremiah Joseph Clifford of Spencerport, NY — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
A life remembered begins, simply, with the telling.
Jeremiah held deeply to the Catholic faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Faith is the language some lives are written in. Jeremiah's was one.
Spencerport - Jeremiah Joseph Clifford, born September 5, 1934, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at the age of 91. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Mary Lou (Hawkins) Clifford; his son, Timothy (Yvonne) Clifford; his daughters, Mary (Gary) Brown, Kathryn (Kenneth) Smith; his daughter-in-law, Marjorie Jean Clifford; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Jeremiah John Clifford; and his parents, Timothy and Eileen Clifford.
Jeremiah dedicated an extraordinary 54 years of service to the Democrat and Chronicle, a career that reflected both his strong work ethic and his deep loyalty. Beginning as a paperboy in his youth, he steadily rose through the ranks to become a printer and eventually a manager, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues along the way. He was truly a "people person," forming lasting friendships throughout his life.
A man of strong faith, he was a devout Catholic and a proud member of the Parish of the Holy Family, where his faith guided his life and values. Outside of work, Jeremiah had a love for sports and was an enthusiastic NASCAR fan.
Above all, Jeremiah found his greatest joy in his family. He took immense pride in raising them, cherishing every moment spent together and instilling in them the same love, integrity, and compassion that defined his own life. He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him and deeply missed.
Jeremiah's Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Parish of the Holy Family, 4100 Lyell Road, Rochester, New York 14606. Interment immediately following in St. John's Cemetery in Spencerport.
