Clifford S. Cernick Jr.

Clifford Cernick, Jr., known affectionately as Cliff, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025, in the ICU, surrounded by his loving sister and step brothers, as well as his brother-in-law, niece, and nephew. Born on June 29, 1962, in Santa Barbara, California, Cliff lived a life marked by resilience, generosity, and a quiet joy.

Cliff’s journey was shaped by challenges that emerged in late adolescence, but with the help of modern medicine, he carved out an independent life in his Arlington apartment. There, he found contentment with public transportation, a supportive community, and simple pleasures like watching The Price Is Right, keeping up with the news, and tracking the stock market. Earlier in life, Cliff’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through in creative ventures—selling fireworks, buying and reselling half-fare airline coupons, and always dreaming up ways to turn a profit. An eternal optimist, he brought his metal detector on family trips to the Bahamas, scouring beaches for hidden treasure with a gleam in his eye.

Throughout his life, Cliff was a thoughtful and generous brother, always sending birthday and Christmas cards to friends and family members and sharing what little he had—whether money or kindness—with his siblings. Life wasn’t always easy for him. After his parents’ separation when he was six, he saw less of his father but was able to reunite with him in his father's hometown of Cle Elum, Washington. There, he loved the welcome he received from numerous aunts, uncles, and various other Cernick relatives, delighting in the charm of the little community. When his father later moved to Anchorage, Alaska, Cliff eventually followed, making fond memories, and finding happiness in the Last Frontier.

Cliff’s passion for aviation—airplanes, airports, and all things flight—brought him a special kind of wonder. He also adored WWE wrestling, particularly Baron Von Raschke, aka “The Claw,” whose commanding, gruff ring speeches left an impression. At family gatherings Cliff would often precisely mimic Raschke’s tirades with memorable lines like, “I am ordered to win—I follow all the rules, because there are no rules! That is all the people need to know!” to dramatic effect. He held deep gratitude for his mother, writing her regular notes to express his appreciation for her unwavering support.

Cliff’s health faced challenges in later years, compounded by the medications that helped him manage his illness. Yet, even as his system faltered, his spirit remained strong. His final moments were peaceful, a testament to the love surrounding him.

Cliff was predeceased by his mother, father, and step brother, Frederick, and he is now reunited with them in heaven—a place where, as his family believes, God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more pain or sorrow. He is survived by his sister, Nancy, step brothers Richard, Stephen, David, and Bill and a large extended family of in-laws, nieces, and nephews who cherish the memory of his big heart, adventurous soul, and steadfast faith.

Cliff’s life reminds us that happiness can bloom amid hardship, and his family holds fast to the hope of seeing him again in a world renewed.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Clarendon House, 2120 Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA 22204, reflecting Cliff’s spirit of giving.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22203 from 11 AM to 1 PM.