Clifford was born to Nelson and Mildred Carleton originally of Washington, MI on February 20, 1947. He attended Romeo Community Schools where he graduated from high school in 1965. From there he went on to Eastern Michigan University for two years and then started working at Chrysler Corporation. He joined the US Army in 1968 and served two years serving a portion of this time in Vietnam. Upon his honorable discharge he went back to Chrysler and worked in various plants in the accounting area. After 30 years with Chrysler, Clifford retired in 2008.
After Clifford retired he moved full speed into his real joy in life and that was walking. During the nicer weather many people saw him out walking the streets of Rochester. During the winter months, he would drive over to Great Lakes Mall and enjoy his time on the walking path in the mall. He was an early riser during his working career and that continued into retirement enjoying his first cup of coffee at 5 a.m. every morning.
He enjoyed family life with his parents and brother and sister and then even more with his children. But the joys of his life were those grandchildren. He was a real caregiver and after his retirement would make a daily stop at his mother place taking care of all her needs.
Clifford is survived by his daughter Erica (Tim) Budnik, son Michael Carleton and stepdaughters Jami (Shaun) Aupperle and Carli (Mike) Tucker. Proud grandfather of Dustin, Amber (Ryan), Andrew, Jacob, Allura, Naomi, Elizabeth and Samantha and great-grandsons George and Malikai
Clifford was preceded in death by his wife Paula (2014), his parents, Nelson (2000) and Mildred (2015) Carleton, and his brother Dennis (1972) and sister Sharon Hickmott (2005).
In lieu of flowers it is requested that memorial contributions may be made to the Rochester Fire Department.
Clifford’s family will be having a time of visitation on Friday April 22, 2022 from 10-11:30 a.m. followed by his Celebration of LIfe at 11:30 a.m. at the Pixley Funeral Home in Rochester
