Benjamin C. Gifford

Benjamin C. Gifford, age 95, of Westport Harbor, MA died Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at Sakonnet Bay Manor, a senior's home. He was the husband of the late Adelaide (Winsor) Gifford, and the late Katharine Eddy Gifford, and companion of the late Corneila Baxter.

Mr. Gifford was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Paul and Florence (Chase) Gifford.

He attended Morton School in Fall River and then Pomfret School where he graduated in the class of 1935. He then went to Harvard and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, 1939. A Veteran of the United States Navy, he served during World War II as a Lieutenant and commanded a Mine Sweeper in the Panama Canal Zone.

Mr. Gifford retired as Executive Vice President of Burlington Industries in New York City in 1976. Prior to that he was president of Erwin Mills one of the largest producers of denim at the time. Mr. Gifford grew up in the textile industry. His father was the Treasurer of Bourne Mills in Tiverton, RI and following his naval service, Ben began his career at the Pepperill Mills in Fall River.

He was a Past President and lifelong member of the Acoaxet Club in Westport Harbor, he was volunteer and Chairman of the Board at SSTAR, he was a board member of the Lloyd Center, and was a member of the Harvard Club. Mr. Gifford was an avid golfer and squash player.

Ben Gifford is survived by a sister Louise Prescott of Swansea, a daughter; Louise W. Silverman and her husband Michael of Little Compton, RI, a son; David J. Gifford and his wife Loretta of Hawthorne, NY; a step-daughter; Martha Savage and her husband Ken of Aurora, CO, a step-son; S. Bartlett Eddy and his wife Suzanne of South Field, MI, eight grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, two step-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was father of the late Benjamin C. Gifford Jr. and step-father of the late Susan Hoxie.

His Service of Thanksgiving and Tribute will be held Monday, October 24, 2011 at 11:00AM in the United Congregational Church, the Commons, Little Compton. Contributions in his honor may be made to SSTAR 386 Stanley St. Fall River, MA 02720. Arrangements are in the care of the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE at BIRCHCREST.