Obituary for Thomas S. Clifford
Thomas Sloan Clifford, age 81, of the Shoreham/Rocky Point community passed away peacefully on December 26th, 2021.
Tom was the youngest child of Louis and Patricia Clifford, born on 9/21/1940 in Euclid, Ohio. Tom spent his last two years at Cleveland St. Joseph High School in the Society of Mary, studying to become a Marist brother. He continued with the order at the University of Dayton where he received his B.S. in Physics in 1962. As a lifelong learner, Tom continued on to The Ohio State for his master of Science in Physics and then to Virginia Polytech University to earn his Ph. D in Physics. (Nerd Alert!)
Tom worked at Brookhaven National laboratory for over 35 years, where he led the Accelerator Controls Software Group in the Collider Accelerator Department. Tom supported decades of discovery at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. (Bonus points if anyone understand this!). Peers described him as having a gentle leadership style and commuting to work each day by bicycle!
Tom is survived by Marlene Somers, his sister Donna O’Donnell, and his three devoted daughters and spouses: Lisa & Paul Shapiro, Jenny & Chris Tumilowicz and Amy & Andrew Fleming. He has eight grandchildren in Zoe, Nate, Braden, Luke, Devin, Sloan, Quinn and Fiona. Affectionally knows as “Papa” to his grandkids, he enjoyed reading books with them, taking walks in the woods, doing puzzles, and taking them skiing or to Monday night track at the local high school.
Tom was a kind and gentle soul.
He was happiest when he was behind the helm sailing on the beautiful Long Island sound with family and friends. His boating adventures took him many places near and far. Pirates Cove, The Connecticut River, Block Island and the Bahamas were some of his favorite sailing ports. His love for the outdoors didn't stop on the seas as he also enjoyed skiing in the Northeast and Colorado – although he never did master the moguls! He could often be found tinkering on projects both at his house and for his daughters' homes. There was nothing Papa couldn’t fix without some hard work and a few “Gosh darn-its Thomas.”
Tom was a trendsetter.
His fashion sense of bright colors and leisure wear (pajamas!) were his everyday look. He was rarely seen without his plaid red jacket, monogrammed Aimless shirt and man purse. He also firmly believed Coke, Cheese-its and M&M’s belonged in the food pyramid and he was a devoted fan of Hershey's (and only Hershey's!) chocolate syrup. Like so many transplanted Clevelanders, he was an avid Cleveland Browns and Indians fan (Go Tribe!) and listened to most games on the radio.
Tom was a giver.
Service was a large part of Tom’s life. He was an active member in St. Marks church for 30 years where he was a religious education leader and lectern. Upon retirement Tom volunteered regularly at Habitat for Humanity. Tom loved sharing updates on where the group was building homes and took pride in the impact that his work with Habitat had on the lives of so many families.
Tom was loved.
We miss him dearly, but we hold his spirit, ideas, and love close within each of us. By example, he taught us the importance of family, to live life to the fullest, enjoy the outdoors (run, swim, and bike and all 3 in one day), and most of all to be interested in all things around us. We Thank you, Dad, for teaching us we could do anything, giving us confidence, and the years of support, memories and love. We raise our glass to you - here is to being Always Aimless, beautiful sunsets and a red sky at night, sailors delight.
Donations in his memory may be made to Habitat Suffolk, 643 Middle Country Road, Middle Island NY 11953
Tom was the youngest child of Louis and Patricia Clifford, born on 9/21/1940 in Euclid, Ohio. Tom spent his last two years at Cleveland St. Joseph High School in the Society of Mary, studying to become a Marist brother. He continued with the order at the University of Dayton where he received his B.S. in Physics in 1962. As a lifelong learner, Tom continued on to The Ohio State for his master of Science in Physics and then to Virginia Polytech University to earn his Ph. D in Physics. (Nerd Alert!)
Tom worked at Brookhaven National laboratory for over 35 years, where he led the Accelerator Controls Software Group in the Collider Accelerator Department. Tom supported decades of discovery at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. (Bonus points if anyone understand this!). Peers described him as having a gentle leadership style and commuting to work each day by bicycle!
Tom is survived by Marlene Somers, his sister Donna O’Donnell, and his three devoted daughters and spouses: Lisa & Paul Shapiro, Jenny & Chris Tumilowicz and Amy & Andrew Fleming. He has eight grandchildren in Zoe, Nate, Braden, Luke, Devin, Sloan, Quinn and Fiona. Affectionally knows as “Papa” to his grandkids, he enjoyed reading books with them, taking walks in the woods, doing puzzles, and taking them skiing or to Monday night track at the local high school.
Tom was a kind and gentle soul.
He was happiest when he was behind the helm sailing on the beautiful Long Island sound with family and friends. His boating adventures took him many places near and far. Pirates Cove, The Connecticut River, Block Island and the Bahamas were some of his favorite sailing ports. His love for the outdoors didn't stop on the seas as he also enjoyed skiing in the Northeast and Colorado – although he never did master the moguls! He could often be found tinkering on projects both at his house and for his daughters' homes. There was nothing Papa couldn’t fix without some hard work and a few “Gosh darn-its Thomas.”
Tom was a trendsetter.
His fashion sense of bright colors and leisure wear (pajamas!) were his everyday look. He was rarely seen without his plaid red jacket, monogrammed Aimless shirt and man purse. He also firmly believed Coke, Cheese-its and M&M’s belonged in the food pyramid and he was a devoted fan of Hershey's (and only Hershey's!) chocolate syrup. Like so many transplanted Clevelanders, he was an avid Cleveland Browns and Indians fan (Go Tribe!) and listened to most games on the radio.
Tom was a giver.
Service was a large part of Tom’s life. He was an active member in St. Marks church for 30 years where he was a religious education leader and lectern. Upon retirement Tom volunteered regularly at Habitat for Humanity. Tom loved sharing updates on where the group was building homes and took pride in the impact that his work with Habitat had on the lives of so many families.
Tom was loved.
We miss him dearly, but we hold his spirit, ideas, and love close within each of us. By example, he taught us the importance of family, to live life to the fullest, enjoy the outdoors (run, swim, and bike and all 3 in one day), and most of all to be interested in all things around us. We Thank you, Dad, for teaching us we could do anything, giving us confidence, and the years of support, memories and love. We raise our glass to you - here is to being Always Aimless, beautiful sunsets and a red sky at night, sailors delight.
Donations in his memory may be made to Habitat Suffolk, 643 Middle Country Road, Middle Island NY 11953