Educator Joseph C. Clifford of Jamestown Dies at 81
GoLocalProv
Educator Joseph C. Clifford of Jamestown Dies at 81
Joe was a graduate of Mount St. Charles Academy and Providence College. He worked for many years as a History teacher and Guidance Counselor at Scituate High School in Scituate, RI. He also taught driver’s education and coached various youth sports.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
Joseph grew up on his parents’ farm in North Smithfield, RI. When he married his wife of 48 years, the late Catherine H. Clifford (O’Donnell), they moved next door to the Clifford farm, where they raised their family until relocating to Jamestown, RI, in 1995.
He is survived by his children, John R. Clifford and his spouse Claude Drolet, Patricia A. Clifford, and Kimberly A. McFall and her spouse Roger McFall; his grandchildren Emma C. McFall and Maureen S. McFall; his siblings Michael Clifford, Catherine Russell, and Brian Clifford; and his sister-in-law Joanne Ryan and niece Jennifer Ryan.
He was predeceased by his sisters Maureen DeCelles and Patricia Clifford, and by his companion in his later years, Christine McAvoy.
Throughout his life, he pursued many hobbies, including ice hockey, marathon running, dirt-bike motorcycling, photography, woodworking, sailing and windsurfing, long-distance bicycling, gardening, hiking, and skiing.
In retirement, Joe became active in humanitarian and political rights issues. He developed a wide following on social media, where he advocated for truth, human rights, fairness, and humanitarian aid for people affected by war or catastrophe, and for the protection of those who were oppressed or marginalized. He shared his views through writing, public discussion, and participation in local groups and events. His lifelong interest in history and extensive reading informed much of his perspective.
He valued personal accountability, hard work, truth, and compassion. He recently said, “Lots of people can do big and great things, but can they be big and great humans to other humans? That is more important.”
In accordance with his wishes, there will be no services. He will be cremated.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to:
• World Central Kitchen – www.wck.org
• Doctors Without Borders – www.doctorswithoutborders.org