Cliff joined his heavenly family on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2022. He lived a long life of 85 years and was humble and grateful for all the blessings in his life.
He was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on May 3, 1937 and was the son of Clifford and Margaret LaRose. He grew up on Iranistan Avenue during times when you could walk to the ball fields. He was dearly loved by his sisters, especially Margaret and attended Bassick High School. He graduated in 1956 and entered into the United States Navy. He served on the Franklin D Roosevelt CVA 42 in the Mediterranean and North Atlantic. After leaving the service he began to work for the United States Post Office and eventually became the director of the collection and delivery for the greater Bridgeport area. He was a wonderful leader and boss and often became a father figure to the young men he mentored.
He met the love of his life on a blind date on New Year’s Eve, 1961, Treva Rimini. They were married for over 40 years before her passing in 2007. He was a loyal care giver for her and her biggest cheerleader in difficult times. He deeply understood the meaning of “for better or worse”. They had many years of laughter and love and spent time traveling and with friends and family.
They were involved with Boy Scouts, Bridgeport Little League and The Barnum Festival. He served on the board of directors for Lawn Croft Cemetery and was a generous donator to many charitable causes.
He eventually served on the board of directors for the Barnum Festival and was the recipient of the Volunteer of the year in 2009. They were devout Christians and members of Salem Lutheran Church in Bridgeport. Later in life Cliff became a member of Good Shepard Lutheran Church in Monroe, Ct.
In his novel The Twelve, author Justin Cronin wrote, “As long as we remember a person, they’re not really gone. Their thoughts, their feelings, their memories, they become a part of us.”
Cliff was an amazing father, grandfather, brother and friend. He touched the lives of so many people. He was a true patriot and wore his veteran gear with pride. It infuriated him to witness people who did not know how to pay respect to our flag and our country. He enjoyed sports but especially his beloved Giants and Red Sox. His favorite game of the year was the Army/Navy game where he enjoyed the rivalry with his son-in-law Gary. He had an incredible sense of humor, even near the end of his life he said he was quite a joker. “If you only knew me when I was younger, I was somethin”. His body may have failed him in the end, but his spirit and humor was still a part of who he was.
Cliff was preceded in death by many family members and his wife, Treva LaRose. He is survived by his son Clifford D LaRose of Monroe, Ct and his daughter and son in law Jan (LaRose) and Gary Ewing of Gainesville, GA. He treasured his grandchildren Margaret (Ewing) Ellis and her husband Haydn Ellis of Gainesville, GA and James Thomas “JT” Ewing also of Gainesville.
Celebration of Life will be held 3:00 pm Saturday December 3, 2022 at Gainesville First United Methodist Church, 2780 Thompson Bridge Road Gainesville, Georgia. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Reverend Carolyn Clifton will officiate.
In lieu of flowers we ask that donation be made to your local church or Veterans Organization. Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com
