Thomas Clifford

Thomas Niel Clifford

Age 50 of Braidwood, passed away Monday morning January 23, 2012 at his home, after a three year battle with cancer.

Born February 3, 1961 in Berwyn, Thomas was a son of the late Jerome Gerald and Diana Petersen-Clifford. He attended Marseilles High School for two years and graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1979. Thomas worked as a pipefitter and was inducted into the Pipefitters Local 597 in 1989. He was a volunteer wrestling coach at Reed Custer High School and enjoyed fishing, canoeing and raising pigeons. He was a great outdoorsman who loved spending time on the Mazon Creek, and will be remembered as a dedicated father who was extremely devoted to his children. Thomas was a member of Pipefitter's Local #597 and the Braidwood Recreation Club.

Survivors include his three children: Diana Clifford, Thomas Niel Clifford II, and Jennifer Clifford, all of Braidwood, one grandson Thomas Niel Clifford III with another grandchild expected in February; one brother Jerome Clifford II of Wilmington, one sister Laura Fritz of Mesa, Arizona and two aunts: Frieda and Patricia, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; one brother Robert (1985) and one nephew Patrick Clifford.

The family will receive friends on Saturday January 28, 2012 between the hours of 1:00PM and 3:00PM at Freitag-Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. A private family interment will follow, where Thomas will be laid to rest with his brother Robert.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.FRBfuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Freitag-Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-2181)