Clifford Smith

Clifford A. Smith, Sr. of Millcreek, surrounded by his loving family was peacefully called home to be with our Lord on Wednesday, February 10th, 2016. He was 80 years old.

Clifford was born in Gipsy, PA on October 28, 1935 to the late Sherrill W. Smith and Bernice L. Smith Mellinger. He moved to Erie with his family as a young boy. He was a P.F.C. Marine Reservist at East High School and graduated in 1954. After graduation, Clifford enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he was a jet aircraft technician until 1957.

After leaving the Air Force he moved on to work in the Petro Chemical Industry for Olin Matheson in Niagara Falls, NY. During his trips home to Erie, he met and fell in love with his future wife, Patricia Wheeler.

The two married on April 9, 1960. Cliff and Pat moved to Claymont, Delaware where he was then transferred to the Sun-Olin Corp. During this time Clifford was also attending the University of Delaware. The love for their families brought them back to live in Erie, PA in 1968. Clifford began a new career as a City of Erie police officer in 1970. He was a lifelong member of the Fraternal Order of police and was also involved in the department’s Family Crisis Center.

Cliff retired from the police force in 1987. He was a previous member of St. Andrews Church, St. Peter’s Cathedral and Our Lady of Peace Church.

Cliff enjoyed any activity involving his family and the outdoors. He would often go fishing, canoeing and swimming. He loved Lake Erie. He would also take his children hiking and camping in the Allegheny Mountains. Cliff enjoyed walking around Presque Isle. He had a great love of nature and appreciated all of its beauty. His unconditional love and gentle heart will be forever missed by his loving wife, Patricia and his adoring children, Andrea S. Hallman (David), Clifford Allen Smith, Jr. both of Erie, Mary C. Little (William) of Edinboro, Nancy A. Holder (Robert), Margaret P. Graziano, Anthony C. Smith (Roberta), Jennifer C. Northrop (John) all of Erie, Daniel P. Smith (Aimee) of Olympia, WA and Colleen R. Silay (George) of Erie. Clifford is further survived by 21 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Clifford was preceded in death by his brother Benjamin Smith, sister Ella Mae Swanson and his grandson, David M. Hallman, III.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street, (at Powell Avenue) on Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Jude Church, 2801 West 6th Street, on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. with Father Jason Feigh officiating.

The Erie Retired Police Officers Association will hold a brief memorial service on Monday at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Erie County Diabetes Association, 1128 State Street, Suite 302, Erie, PA 16501 or the Emmaus Soup Kitchen, 218 East 11th St, Erie, PA 16503.