Michael Joseph Clifford

Beloved Son and Brother

Waterbury-Michael Joseph Clifford, age 38, of 41 Rawley Avenue, died unexpectedly and went home to the merciful Savior on Friday September 7, 2018.

Michael was born in Waterbury, CT on January 29, 1980, son of Deacon Thomas J. and Linda R. (Kulis) Clifford of Naugatuck.  He graduated from Naugatuck High School in 1999 and received a certificate from Porter and Chester Institute a few years later.  As a longtime member of St. Mary’s Parish, receiving all his sacraments, he served with his brothers as altar servers for many years.  He was very proud of receiving many athletic trophies, playing basketball, football and boxing, for which he was honored at age 14, the Golden Glove Award in the New England State Championship in Junior Olympics.

With a wonderful sense of humor, Michael added joy and comfort to many along the way.  For many years, he worked with landscaping companies and various other jobs.  He was very proud of his Irish and Polish heritage and the belief of his Catholic faith, with a special devotion to the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

Besides his loving parents, Deacon Tom and Linda, Michael is survived by his brother, Christopher Clifford of Naugatuck; his beloved niece Alyssa Marie Clifford of Oakville; his paternal grandmother, Lorraine (Sharkey) Clifford of Naugatuck; his aunts and uncles, Gary and Diana Clifford, Lisa and David Stumpo, Jean and Fred Lucas; and several cousins.  He was predeceased by his older brother Thomas Jeremy and infant sister Theresa Mary Clifford; grandparents John and Veronica Kulis and Jeramiah F. Clifford.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday September 14, 2018 at 11 a.m. at St. Hedwig Church, 32 Golden Hill Street, Naugatuck.  Those attending are asked to please meet at the church at 10:45 a.m.  Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery, Naugatuck.  Family and friends may call on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at the Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald-Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main Street, Naugatuck.  To send an on-line condolence, please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.  In lieu of flowers,  memorial contributions, in Michael’s name, may be made to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Wilms Tumor for Childhood Cancer, in honor of his little cousin Ava, who is affected by this rare childhood cancer at www.alexslemonade.org/my page/1546562, or to the Naugatuck Ecumenical Food Bank, 75 Spring Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770.

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