Paul R. Clifford Sr.

Paul R. Clifford, Sr., 72, of Paul Street in Auburn, a man who overcame Polio as young adult, passed away Sunday, August 17, 2008, in Saint Vincent Hospital. Paul leaves his loving wife of nearly fifty years, Marguerite "Margie" (Bonaccorso) Clifford; two sons, John D. Clifford of Auburn and Paul R. Clifford, Jr. and his wife Debra of West Boylston; a daughter Lynda B. Clifford of Auburn; a son in law, Fred Biederman of Lee,NH; six grandchildren, Ryan, Steven, Marissa, Stephanie, Christopher, and Joshua; two nieces and a nephew. A daughter, Lori A. Clifford of New Hampshire passed away this past February. He was also pre-deceased by his two brothers, William and John Clifford. Paul was born in Lynn, Massachusetts the son of John J. and Anna (Goodwin) Clifford, and graduated from Lynn Classical High School. He and Margie lived in Southborough for thirty five years, before moving to Auburn in 1998. Mr. Clifford retired, after twenty-eight years of service, from Stop & Shop Grocery Stores, where he was assistant produce manager. He had previously worked for Elm Farm Food in Peabody for fourteen years. He was a member of the Auburn Council on Aging, where he served as secretary; a member of the Bison Brothers of the Brush in Southborough, and the former Auburn Lion's Club. Paul enjoyed time with his family and upon his retirement spent most of his time caring for grandchildren and enjoying life with his family. He enjoyed spending time at his home on Lake Whittemore in Spencer, and floating for hours on his pontoon boat. His sense of humor and big heart will be missed by all who knew him. A funeral service will be on Friday, August 22, at 10 a.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Newton Cemetery, Newton. Calling hours will be held Thursday, August 21, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Jimmy Fund/Dana Farber, 10 Brookline Place West, Brookline, MA 02445.