Robert G. “Bob” Clifton III
August 19, 1922 - February 12, 2019
Robert G. “Bob” Clifton III, age 96, of Bear, DE and formerly of Wilmington, DE, passed away on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Philadelphia, PA on August 19, 1922, he was the son of Charles H. and Helen (Frick) Clifton. A U.S. Army veteran of WWII, Bob proudly served in the European Theatre and the occupation of Berlin.
A brilliant, master cabinet maker, he worked on the Edith DuPont-Pierson Estate for over 20 years. Bob was also known as a professional drummer, playing big band music. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing tennis, bowling, boating and camping.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 48+ years, E. Jane (Ryan) Clifton; children, Robert C. Clifton (Ann) of Wilmington, Susan Green of Washington D.C., Brian Bradford (Sandi) of Newark and Joseph Sawoska (Celia) of Monroe, NY: grandchildren, Jenny, Laura, Andrew, Patrick, Katherine, Cherie, Anneliese, Eric, Daniel, Jacob and David; and great grandchildren, Tyler, Caitlyn, Colin, Aubrey, Benjamin, Dakota, Malachai and Raidyn.
A visitation for family and friends has been rescheduled to 1 pm until 2 pm on Friday, February 22, 2019, at Gracelawn Memorial Park chapel, 2220 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 2 pm. Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to the Delaware SPCA 455 Stanton Christiana Road, Newark, DE 19713 or Faithful Friends, 12 Germay Drive, Wilmington, DE 19804.
Leslie Thompson
Jane, my warm wishes are with you as always. God bless that dear sweet man.
Ani
My dear sweet pop pop. Please know how deeply you are loved. You have taught me how to be a good person. I thank you for that. Thank you for always being there for me. And of course, thank you for watching all the eagles games with me! Xo xo
Earl Jones
So sorry to hear of your loss. God’s blessings and peace to you all.
Earl and Andrea Jones
Ann Clifton
Bob was a wonderful father-in-law. I will always remember how he accepted me into the Clifton family 45 years ago. His carpetry work was beautiful. I will miss watching and hearing him play his drums. Another great talent he possessed. Bob, my daughters, and our grandchildren will love and miss him forever.
Victoria Hoffman
I was sorry to hear about Bob passing. My sympathy to Jane and his family.
Herb Guyer-Sharfenaker USMC
God Bless/RIP. A heartfelt Thank YOU, Bob for your service in WWII. The USA would NOT be as it is today. I treasure the freedoms for which YOU fought; in the European Theatre and the Occupation of Berlin. YOU ARE ” ONE OF ” THE GREATEST GENERATION. And Semper Fi.
Ellen Blodgett
To the Clifton family: Please know that my thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. You were blessed to have a wonderful father ,grandfather and great grandfather.What amazing memories you will always have of him .
Linda Haskins
Bob,
It was such an enriching experience to have known you. You were very much a thoughtful, pleasant, gentleman. So pleased were you to have another chance to “walk the boards” with Jane in Atlantic City two years ago (and I just tagged along). I had no idea of the quiet joy it brought you until, months later, when almost every time thereafter when we spoke, you mentioned it. You took such pleasure in the simple things in life, while at the same time, you had such intricate expertise in the art of cabinet making. You and Jane together were such warm friends to our family for so many years. Thanks for being the wonderful man so many have known you to be. Sincerely, Linda
Carol Backer
Ann and Bob , So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. If there is anything I can do, let me know.