Arkport, NY / Hornell, NY
Clifford W. “Cliff” Grover – 93 – formerly of Arkport, and also Rock Fall, Connecticut, died early Tuesday morning (May 21, 2024) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility where he had resided for the past three years.
Born in Middletown, CT on April 9, 1931, he was the son of Clifford H. and Frances (Ennis) Grover.
Cliff grew up in Rocky Hill, CT and attended Weathersfield High School (Class of 1949). He was a star athlete, excelling on the baseball diamond as a pitcher and actually played in the minor leagues. Cliff enlisting in the United States Navy in 1952. He was honorably discharged on January 21, 1954.
Following his discharge from the US Navy, Cliff returned Rocky Hill and began working at Pratt & Whitney as a Metallurgical Engineer where he spent most of his career. For a short period of time, he was employed at the Electric Boat in New London, CT, but returned to Pratt & Whitney in 1967 where he stayed until he retired in 1993. He resided in the Rocky Hill / Rock Fall area most of his life until relocating to Arkport in 2015.
A true outdoorsman, Cliff (known by close friends & family as “The Big Red Dog”) enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially hunting white tail deer in Connecticut, Vermont, and New York. He also loved gardening and was a lifelong New York Yankees, New York Giants, & UConn basketball fan. In his younger years, Cliff enjoyed playing golf & bowling and had been a member of several bowling leagues.
While living in Connecticut, Cliff was a communicant of St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church in Kensington. More recently, he had been a member of St. Mary’s Church in Canaseraga, NY.
Cliff was married to the former Winifred Antoinette Aubin who died October 22, 2014. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Lorrie Duke, on March 29, 2017.
Surviving are two daughters, Kim (Chris) Ogorzalek of Arkport; Wendy Darling of Virginia and grandchildren, Cassie Hill, Garrett Cerniglia, Spencer Duke and Sydney Duke; son-in-law, Stan Duke; great-granddaughter, June Hill; along with many nieces, nephews, & cousins.
At Cliff’s request, there will be no calling hours. A Funeral Service with Military Honors will be held on Tuesday (May 28th, 2024) at 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Father John Cullen officiating. Burial with will be in Rose Hill Memorial Park Cemetery in Rocky Hill, CT on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 12:00 Noon.
In lieu of flowers, Cliff’s family requests that memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
In recognition of Cliff’s service to his country as a member of the US Navy, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at Half-Staff.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com or www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.
Cliff was such a friendly proud man who loved to reminisce about his family. He loved playing Bingo and card games and always attended mass the second Monday of every month. I always enjoyed visiting with him while visiting my father. He loved to take my hand when he was talking and was always so polite. May he rest in peace and be reunited with his family that he continued to pray for.
Kim and Wendy our sincere condolences on the passing of your priceless dad. We met your dad in church where he would hand out wuether candy. He was such a kind gentle soul who had a deep faith and love of family! We are so grateful we got to know Cliff. He prayed so hard for you Kim that you would not be in pain anymore and so grateful for his beautiful apt.and being close to you. May your mom and sister greeted him with loving hugs. Our prayers to you, Mary Jo Vernam and Francis Thiegles
I became friends with Cliff in Elderwood as he sat with my Dad in the dining area. We had some great conversations. I was very sad to hear of his passing, he will be missed. My condolences to his family. RIP Cliff
Cliff and I were morning walking partners for ten years. We solved all the world’s problems during those walks until his wife, Winnie, asked me to refrain from political issues as he came back upset the rest of the day. Winnie passed away in 2014 just 3 months before my wife, Sharon, also passed. Then we met every day for a beer before dinner in addition to the walks. I will dearly miss you, Cliff, and sorry I only visited you twice in New York but as a true friend, you came to my wedding to mutual neighbor in 2016. Rest in peace, my friend.
I had the privilege of taking care of Cliff for much of the time he was at Elderwood. Was always hording Kleenex boxes, if my box was missing off the end of my cart, I knew who had been by. He love his Coconut cookies, peanut butter crackers and chocolate. He was always appreciative for anything you did for him. Glad to have had him for a friend. God Bless!
I was very sorry to hear about Cliff’s passing. He was a former neighbor
from Silveridge in Berlin. He was always so friendly and fun to talk to and I always enjoyed seeing him on my walks around the neighborhood. I will always remember him helping me out by walking my dog midday, when I was at work. A lovely person for sure. My condolences to all his family.