Richard Kean Clifford

He was born February 19, 1943 and spent his childhood growing up in Bantam, CT. Richard graduated from Torrington High School, Torrington, CT, in 1961. He went on to graduate from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, with a degree in Engineering and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, with a degree in Landscape Architecture.

Richard married Judi Wohlrab on November 19, 1966, one of his best friends since 8th grade. They raised their family in Simsbury, CT. Richard began his career as a Landscape Architect for CT State Parks/Forest Commission and years later, advanced to the position of Director of CT State Parks. For the last decade of his career, he was a Bureau Chief responsible for the management of the Divisions of Boating, Land Acquisition, Law Enforcement and State Parks within the CT Department of Environmental Protection.

While vacationing in Chatham in the 1970’s, Richard and Judi fell in love with the town and in 1997 purchased their first vacation home. They retired to Chatham in 2003 where they both became involved in local community organizations. This provided an opportunity for Richard to become engaged in his passion for designing and building projects. He was an original member of the Chatham Harwich Newcomers Woodworkers group which provides custom woodworking for non-profit and government organizations. Some of the projects include cabinetry for Eldridge Public Library, a wall unit for the Harwich Community Center, and benches for Labyrinth Chase Park. One of Richard’s unique pieces is the boat lectern he designed and constructed for the summer morning beach services at Oyster Pond. In addition, he had built many elaborate floats for the Chatham Fourth of July parades. As a member of the First Night Chatham committee since 1997, Richard is well known for his creation of the Countdown Cod.

Richard is survived by his wife, Judi, daughter Ami Clifford Derick and her husband, Jeff, of Simsbury, CT and son Lieutenant Colonel Jason Kean Clifford and his wife, Donna of Northfield, VT. He was a proud grandfather to Liam and Brody Derick, who were the light of his life. He is also survived by his siblings: Ronald Clifford of Utah, Fritha Knudson of CA, and Garrett Clifford of NY, and several nieces and nephews.

He will be remembered for his creativity, love for woodworking, and his desire to help others.

Memorial Visitation services will be held on Friday, December 13, 2019 from 5-7pm at Nickerson Funeral Home, 87 Crowell Road, Chatham, MA 02633. For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com

Donations in Richard’s name may be made to Monomoy Community Services, 166 Depot Rd, Chatham, MA 02633, Phone: (508) 945-1501.