Dennis R. Clifford

Clifford, Dennis R.- Age 70, of Scituate, passed away on May 23, 2022. He was the son of Richard Brian Clifford and Effie (Sherwood) Clifford. Loving father of Marcella Belsan, her husband John, Lauren Collins, her husband Tim, Nevin Clifford and R. Paul Gillis. Beloved grandfather to Andrew, Jackson and Seamus Belsan; Kiley, Matthew, Henry, Elsie and Margo Collins. Cherished brother to Theresa McInerney, Richard Clifford Jr., his wife Sharon and Michaele McCarthy Russell, her husband John. He will be lovingly remembered by his many friends, nieces, nephews and their children whom he adored.

A true Scituate ‘Townie’, Dennis (Denny, Cliffy, Papa, Dad) grew up and lived his entire life in the Sand Hills area of Scituate. He developed many friendships in his childhood and teen years on 10th Ave that lasted a lifetime. He was a free spirit in his younger days. At 16 years old he and his buddies hitched a ride in a van to go to Woodstock for 5 days, which is where his love of music began. He had an eclectic taste in music, ranging from George Straight to the Smiths or Crowded House. There wasn’t one genre or style he was drawn to, just good music he would say.

Dennis worked in the Scituate school system for his entire career as a custodian at Wampatuck Elementary and Scituate High School, and ran a house painting business on the side (staffed by some legendary crews of childhood friends and high school students). He was a friend to many teachers, students, and colleagues during his time working in the schools. Students appreciated the free ice cream’s at lunch, opportunities for community service hours or summer jobs, and also his help in getting them out of jams at the high school.

Dennis’s favorite pastime and passion was golf. He was a member for many years at Scituate Country Club and then later at Widow’s Walk. He spent a lot of time on the course and in the clubhouse, and took pride in a low handicap and an incredible 6 hole in one’s (you HAVE to play a lot of golf for that to happen!). His greatest love was for his children and grandchildren, whom he adored and cherished spending time with just hanging out talking about work, school, and sports.

Dennis never wanted anyone to make a fuss over him, but was loved by many, so his visiting hours will be casual with some of his favorite music playing, just the way he liked it. In lieu of flowers, please go play 9 holes, make sure to swing slow and steady, and remember “Drive for show, putt for dough”.

A visitation will be held on Sunday May 29, 2022 from 10 am-1 pm at Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home, 382 First Parish Road, Scituate.