Clifford A. Vierra

Clifford Anthony Vierra, of Lancaster, CA, was born into eternal life on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at the age of 92. Cliff was the youngest of seven children born on January 24, 1929 in San Leandro, CA. He is predeceased by five sisters, one brother, his father Antone Vierra, and mother Augusta (Coma) Vierra, both immigrants from the Azore Islands (Portugal). Antone immigrated alone through Boston eventually working on the railroads to California. Augusta immigrated through Hawaii with her family as indentured servants and then onto California after completion of service.

Cliff was the first in his family to earn a high school diploma, from San Leandro High School in 1947, where he starred in both football and track & field. He then proudly served in the United States Air Force which included time in Alaska and ultimately Lancaster. Cliff met the love of his life in 1947, and married Patricia Sue McCarty in 1951. They began their 70-year married life together in Lancaster.

After completing his service in the Air Force, Cliff continued to work at Edwards Air Force Base testing engines in both the jet and rocket propulsion sites during the “Golden Age” of test flight. He worked alongside many friends until his retirement in 1986 when he and Pat moved to Tehachapi, CA where they lived for over 20 years.

Cliff and Pat thoroughly enjoyed retirement, traveling the country and the world with family and friends, playing cards, teaching line dancing, and walking. They were also active volunteers, especially through Saint Malachy Catholic Church in Tehachapi, where Cliff was a member of the Knights of Columbus and also spent many hours volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul.

Cliff and Pat returned to Lancaster in 2010 where they have enjoyed the many family that visited often. Cliff is survived by his wife, Pat, who was at his side for 70 years, six children (daughter Renee and John Majors, son Tony and Kim Vierra, daughter Pam and Woody Murray, son David and Joy Vierra, daughter Sandra and Jeff McKinney, son Michael and Elizabeth Vierra), 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Faith was the center of Cliff’s life and he enjoyed life to the fullest. He always made time for the finer things such as family, friends, music, dancing, exercising, and a glass of red wine. He will be truly missed, but his legacy will live on.

The family wishes to thank the Ellison John Transitional Care Center for their thoughtful and loving care. A funeral service is scheduled for 12:00 pm on January 27, 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (565 W Kettering St, Lancaster, CA 93534). Following services, a graveside ceremony and reception will be held at Joshua Mortuary & Joshua Memorial Park (808 E Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93535). In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a favorite charity in the name of Clifford A. Vierra.