Obituary of Thomas M Clifton

Clifton, Thomas, M.  Aged 93 of North Port, Florida, formerly of Totowa, died May 6, 2024.  

Born in New York City, he lived in Paterson before moving to Totowa in 1955, then to Florida ten years ago. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served four years before being honorably discharged in 1955 as a Staff Sergeant.  Tommy or “TC” was employed by the Totowa Borough Police Department since 1957, becoming Chief of Police for seven years until his retirement in 1997.  He was a member of the Passaic County Police Chief’s Association, a member of the American Legion Post #227, Totowa, a member of the Elks Club, and Italian American Club.

Husband of the late Dorothy (née Darby) and the late Elizabeth A. Roller.  Father of Linda A. Clifton, Michael J Clifton, Scott E. Clifton, Sandra G. Clifton, Kelly L. Clifton, and Colleen J. McLaughlin.  Brother of Anna M. (Chick) Kelly and of half-sister Helena (Lee) Kartchner.  Also survived by grandchildren Shannon Clifton, Sean Clifton, Lara Clifton, Ryan Clifton, Drew Clifton, Carl Clifton, Alana Clifton, Hailee Clifton, Madison Clifton, Dylan McLaughlin, as well as six (6) great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and countless friends.  He was predeceased by his parents Teresa and Thomas Clifton, who were longtime residents of Totowa.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa; with a prayer service at 1:00 PM, followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery, Paterson.

In lieu of flowers, donations to PBA Local #80, 537 Totowa Road, Totowa, New Jersey 07512 and/or the Disabled American Veterans (help.dav.org) would be appreciated.