Clifford Harold Guion “Tin Can Sailor” peacefully departed this earthly life in the presence of angels and loved by his family, neighbors, and friends on February 10, 2023, at the age of 95 years and 10 months. A member of what is referred to as the Greatest Generation, Clifford was a proud World War II combat veteran having served honorably in the United States Navy aboard the USS Lansdowne, DD486 (The Lucky L) in the South Pacific Theater and Japan from 1944 to 1946 and had achieved the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class.
Clifford was born in the Bronx, New York, on April 30, 1927, son to Harold and Martha Guion, deceased. He lived on Charles Street in New Milford, New Jersey, since 1954 where he was preceded in death by Violet Mary, his loving wife of 63 years and devoted mother of his four children. Violet and Clifford were married in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, in 1950.
Clifford was the proud devoted father of Clifford and Laura Guion, Fayston; Stephen and Maryellen Guion, Waitsfield; Jeffrey and Jacquelyn Guion, Newburgh, New York; and Diane and Mitchell Sobel, Oradell, New Jersey.
He was the cherished grandfather, “Pop-Pop,” of 10 exceptional grandchildren that loved him and shared their lives with him which he was extremely proud of: Katherine and Benjamin Shearer; Janice, Tracy, and Stephen Guion; Jeffrey and Leighann Guion; Joseph and Alyssa Guion; Jenna and Daniel Sloss; Michael and Adriana Sobel; Christopher and Taylor Sobel.
Clifford also welcomed into the world his five beautiful great grandchildren: Amelia and Valerie Shearer; Hailey Guion; Sloan Sobel; and Sage Guion.
Clifford was a loving brother to Virginia (Aunt Ginny) McArdle, deceased of California; Eleanor Richardson of California; and Marion and William Monzo of New Jersey, as well as being the uncle and cousin of many who loved him.
At 17 years old Clifford left high school without graduating to enlist in the Navy during World War II. After returning from serving in the war, he completed high school and received an education in accounting and business at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Early in his career in New Jersey he held positions in accounting and banking, becoming a bank vice president in Hackensack. Later, Clifford became a salesman in the field of business intelligence machinery including mail sorting and data processing equipment and technologies. It was a job that required considerable air travel, which he enjoyed. He achieved hard-earned success in several regional sales manager positions.
Throughout his life Clifford was dedicated to civil service and selflessly devoted his time and efforts in the community. He was a member of the New Milford Auxiliary Police since 1960 and retired as the Deputy Chief in 1985. He was an expert pistol marksman and was a member and officer of the North Jersey Civil Defense Police Pistol League from 1960 and was still shooting in competition at over 80 years old. He was also an active member of the Greater New Jersey Postal Customer Council and its chairman of special events. Clifford was a parishioner of St. Joseph R.C. Church in Oradell, New Jersey.
One of his favorite pastimes was playing golf. He played at the local professional level for many years, and he has the tournament trophies to prove it. Clifford introduced his young family to downhill skiing, and it quickly became their favorite pastime together. For many years, loading up the family station wagon for winter vacations and weekends skiing in Vermont was a Guion family tradition. Clifford left a legacy of skiers, family, and friends, who continue to enjoy the sport and the tradition in his honor. He was affectionately known in the neighborhood as “The World’s Best Pool Boy,” for meticulously caring for the family’s inground backyard swimming pool for 60 years and always boasting about having the cleanest pool water in town. This was truly a labor of love for him as he was completely dedicated to the enjoyment and togetherness of his family, friends, and neighbors.
Following his service in World War II, Clifford stayed connected to the USS Lansdowne and his fellow shipmates and officers. He became an active member of the Tin Can Sailors Association, he served as senior vice commander at VFW Post 4290, and up until his passing he was vice president, secretary, treasurer, and reunion coordinator of the USS Lansdowne Association.
In memory of Clifford there will be visitation services at Boulevard Funeral Home, 1151 River Road, New Milford, New Jersey, on Sunday, February 26, 2023, noon to 3 p.m., immediately followed at 3 p.m. with a celebration of life at the New Milford VFW, 267 Madison Ave, New Milford, New Jersey.
All are welcome.
