Clifford Larrabee

1922-2012

Sanford- Clifford E. Larrabee, 89, of North Waterboro, died Tuesday.

He was born to the late Ernest and Ina Belle Peables Larrabee, June 17, 1922, in Springfield, Massachusetts. Cliff graduated from Edward Little High School in 1939, received his Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Bates College in 1944, and his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Rochester in 1948. He married the late Carolyn Towle in 1945.

Cliff worked as a chemist for Pfizer, Inc. for most of his professional career. His true passion and what he will be most remembered for was coaching the young and the young at heart. He began as a New London, Connecticut, YMCA assistant swim coach in 1961 and was coaching at the Sanford, Maine, YMCA up until last week. He and his athletes won numerous awards over a fifty year time span but what he loved most was helping each person achieve a personal best.

Cliff is survived by three children: Clifford Larrabee, Jr. of Cincinnati, Martha LaRiviere of North Waterboro, and Joan Larrabee of Boston. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

You are invited to offer condolences and share fond memories of Clifford by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com

The funeral will be held 10:00 on Saturday at the West Auburn Congregational Church. Burial will be held immediately afterwards at the Pine Street Cemetery. A service of The Fortin Group/Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation & Monument Services 217 Turner St. Auburn, ME (207) 783-8545.