Queensbury – John Robert Clifford, 89, died Sunday, April 27, 2014 at Albany Stratton VA Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

Born Sept. 5, 1924 the son of Michael T. and Ann Gertrude (McNamara) Clifford; he lived his young life in Ossining, N.Y.

Mr. Clifford enlisted in the United States Army in 1943 where he served as a Sergeant in the Army Infantry (7 ^th Army 3 ^rd Division) during World War II. He fought in North Africa, Italy (including the Battle at Anzio) and in Southern France. He was awarded a Purple Heart Medal and was honorably discharged in 1945.

On Jan. 8, 1955, he married Dawn Mosher and together they raised five children. He built a career in sales and owned and operated the Battery Shack in Glens Falls.

Mr. Clifford loved sports. Prior to WWII, he played semi-professional baseball. In his adult life, he excelled in golf and loved watching hockey. An accomplished piano player, he enjoyed entertaining family and friends with his music until very recently. For many years, he served as the Elks Club organist.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Clifford was predeceased by three brothers, Eugene, Daniel, and Thomas Clifford.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Dawn Clifford; five children, Carol (John) Hazelton, Anne (Tod) Herrick, John Clifford Jr., Susan (John) Motler, and Patricia (Justin) Murphy; his much-loved grandchildren, Alexis, Jenna, Jeana, Robert, Joseph, Olivia, Bryanna, Dora; four great-grandchildren, Alexia, Trey, Leiahna, and Levi; a sister, Barbara Lynch; a brother, Michael T. Clifford Jr.; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Calling hours will be held from 6 to7 p.m. on Thursday May 1, at Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury.

A funeral service will follow at 7 p.m., at the funeral home, with Deacon Bill Bazinet officiating.

Burial, with military honors, will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 2 at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville. A gathering will be held at 114 Ottawa Street, Lake George following.

The family wishes to send their sincere thanks to the VA Hospital for their incredible support as well as their excellent care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Covenant House, 427 W 52nd St., New York, NY 10019 or to Wounded Warriors, 370 7th Ave., Suite 1802, New York, NY 10001.

Condolences may be mailed to Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or e-mailed through www.bakerfuneralhome.com .