James H. Gifford

James H. Gifford, 79, of East Hartford, beloved husband of Philisse (Fournier) Gifford, passed away Tuesday, November 8, 2011. He was born in Mexico Maine, to the late Harold and Ruth (Finnigan) Gifford.

Raised in Berlin, NH, he joined the Navy after high school, serving in the Korean War. He married Philisse in 1956, together they raised their children in East Hartford. He cherished time spent with family especially the annual Fournier gatherings. He was a member of the Volunteer Hose Co. #2 and the East Hartford Elks Club. He loved to sing, dance and fish. A gentleman in all respects, he was a quiet and kindhearted man. He will be dearly missed.

Aside from his wife of 55 years, he is survived by his children, Donna Patrick and her husband Michael of Fairbanks, Alaska, Janice Stratton and her husband Edward of Evansville, Indiana, Karen Brett and her husband Michael of Manchester, CT, Kevin A. Gifford of Willington, CT and Margaret Spada of West Hartford; his sister Joan Seymour and her husband Dr. John Seymour of Minneapolis, MN; his twelve grandchildren, Emily, Erin and Ian Patrick, Meghan Stratton, Kristen, Michael, Jessica and Austin Brett, Ashley Gifford, Gifford, Cameron and Quinn Spada; his beloved dog Fluffy. He was predeceased by his brothers, Hazen and Jack Gifford.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 11 AM, at St. Isaac Jogues Church, 1 Community St., East Hartford, CT 06108, friends are asked to gather at church. Burial will follow in Silver Lane Cemetery Veterans Field. Calling hours will be Friday, November 11, 2011 from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM, at Newkirk and Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave., East Hartford, CT 06108.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com