Clifton Jones Fry Jr.

Clifton (Clif, Sonny) was born September 16, 1930, in Montoursville, Pennsylvania, to Clifton Jones Fry, Sr. and Ruth Rigney Fry. The oldest of six children, Clif was raised on Ownbrook Dairy Farm in Muncy, Pennsylvania, and was proud to recently celebrate the farm’s 200th anniversary with his family. A farm boy and a child of the Great Depression, Clif was resourceful and industrious. He could remodel a house, build patios, and fix cars (with minimal swearing….mostly). At the age of three, Clif and his younger sister contracted polio. Though he underwent several surgeries and was left with his signature gait, Clif was resilient, optimistic and never complained about his leg - or anything else (unless you dared to neglect a ½ consumed beer).

In 1952, Clif graduated from Penn State University with a BS in Geology and joined the U.S. Geological Survey. Fieldwork with the USGS led him to Jasper, Indiana, where he met Sharon, the love of his life. With his new wife by his side, he continued to survey and map much of the western U.S, adding four boys along the way. A brunette, a blonde, a brunette, and a blonde - they often joked that the boys were “Pete and Re-Pete”. Ultimately, work brought them to Virginia, where two girls completed (improved?) the family mix. They settled in the City of Fairfax, where they still have a home after 60 years.

His career with the Survey afforded lots of memorable travel, including crossing the Arctic Circle and trips abroad to Egypt and China. He earned numerous citations for his exceptional contributions to the American Society of Photogrammetry and the American Congress of Surveying and Mapping and was appointed to the International Geographical Union. Clif also established many lifelong friendships that extended beyond his career. After 38 years of service, Clif retired from the Reston headquarters as Chief of the Office of International Activities.

Clif was more than just a Survey Man; he truly enjoyed life. Although a list can’t capture his essence, it would surely include - his cherished time as an active member of the Ticklish Rock Fish & Game Club, many years as a Little League Coach, a barbershop singer with the Fairfax Jubilaires, an RV and golf enthusiast, an avid Penn State fan, a master story teller, and a man who excelled at all the pub sports (with a beer in hand): billiards, bowling, darts, horseshoes, cards, and of course, dancing with Sharon - and oh, could they reign over a dance floor! Clif claims he learned his best moves because, as a child, his aunts had a dance studio and they were always in need of boys to partner with the girls. Of course, he never complained!

Whether you knew him as Clif, Sonny, Dad, Uncle, Coach, Mr. Fry, Popoo or Appa, the title was endearing. He led by example with an honest, quiet voice (not an easy job in a house full of 6 kids- and their friends). He always welcomed and never judged (another challenge- see above), generously shared his time and many talents, encouraged resourcefulness and gave bonus points for ingenuity (Fry-engineering is definitely a thing), and he knew that moments with family and friends are one of life’s greatest joys (especially with a beer, plenty of laughs and probably a song or two).

Even when we suspected Clif wasn't feeling his best, he was always there for others, without complaint. In his last months he traveled to Syracuse, NY, for his sister's celebration of life where he entertained all with expertly delivered childhood memories and a special “Mountain Dew” tribute serenade. In October, Clif was honored to walk Maria Zambrano down the aisle of the same church where he walked his daughter, Nancy, 26 years earlier. Then in December, Sonny, as they know him in PA, made a trip to the family farm and Ticklish Rock to reminisce with family and friends. He was living life and making sure he didn’t leave ½ a beer.

Clif is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sharon Goeppner of Jasper, Indiana, and their six children, David (Cathy) Fry, Ryan (Cene) Fry, Daniel Fry, Joseph (Dana) Fry, Janice (Mac) McGarity, and Nancy Loftus, along with his fourteen grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. He was also survived by four of his siblings Nancy Doutt, Samuel Fry, Richard Fry, and Lawrence Fry. Clif was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton and Ruth Fry, his sister, Judith Calistri, and his grandson, Reid McGarity.

A visitation for Clifton will be held Friday, February 23, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Demaine Fairfax Funeral Home, 10565 Main St, Fairfax, Virginia 22030. Following the visitation will be a graveside service at 2:00 PM at Fairfax City Cemetery, 10567 Main St, Fairfax, Virginia 22030. The family will host a reception at Patriots Pub and Grill, 10560 Main St., Fairfax, immediately after the visitation.

In lieu of flowers:

A donation can be made in Clif’s name to UPMC Pediatric Rehab Center, 625 W. Edwin St., Williamsport, PA 17701

https://donation.upmc.com/donation/

As a polio survivors, Clif had treatments, several surgeries and even received a college scholarship from UPMC.

Of course, Clif would also love it if you gave money to your favorite watering hole and had a beer (or two) in his honor!