Robert John Clifford

Born on December 7, 1958, Bob was the youngest of six children born to Joe and Alice (Welch) Clifford in Indianapolis, Indiana. He passed away on May 11, 2016. While his life was cut short by illness, he lived a full and rich life impacting all who knew him. He was gentle, kind, loyal, and courageous and faced whatever life dealt him with grace and strength. He was also patient, loving, fun and made our family complete. We are better because of him and we will miss him terribly.

He leaves behind many loved ones including his wife, Shaun (Healy) Clifford, their daughters, Grace and Lily, siblings – MaryLou (Dick) Eddy, Kathy Gement, Jane Diehl, JT and Dick – their families, his little brother, Jarmon Wharton, and a small army of relatives that includes over 70 first cousins.

He attended grade school at St. Joan of Arc and St. Matthews where he began his life-long habit of making friends. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1977 and from Indiana University in 1981.

Bob was a steadfast believer in the motto “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” As such, he dedicated much of his adult life to public service. Bob worked for the State of Indiana under Governor Evan Bayh and also served in Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson’s cabinet both as Director of the Indianapolis Bond Bank and as City Controller. He worked diligently to make a positive difference in his community, but was most passionate about his work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, where he served as both a member of the Board of Directors and as a big brother.

To anyone who knew Bob, the things he held dear where clear – Hoosier football, Hoosier basketball, family and friends, Colts, his role as a “Big,” Bruce Springsteen, family and friends, time at the lake, watermelon, politics, golf, crossword puzzles, ice cream, his dogs, and…did we say, family and friends?? It didn’t matter whether it was walking the dogs, watching a game, grabbing a beer at the Red Key, or singing to Bruce Springsteen…he loved it all as long as he could share it with family and friends. Even better was spending time with his girls, Shaun, Grace and Lily. He served many roles in his life, but his favorite role by far was husband and father.

Help us celebrate the gift of Bob Clifford. His viewing will be held at Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary at 71st and Keystone on Thursday, May 19, from 3 pm to 8 pm. A prayer service will be held at 7:30 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Friday, May 20, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church at 57th and Central Avenue.

In lieu of flowers you may make a donation in Bob’s name to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana. "Show a little faith….there’s magic in the night."