Clayton “Rabbit” J. Gifford, of Deposit, passed away after a courageous five-year battle with cancer at his home surrounded by his family on Monday, Oct. 24.
He was predeceased by his father William Gifford, mother Elizabeth (Meyer) Gifford, stepmother Grace Gifford, daughter Betty Gifford, granddaughter Shauna Fiumera, great grandson A.C. Tiffany, sisters Catherine Johnson, Marjorie Gifford, and Mary Gifford; brothers Richard Gifford Sr., and Vincent Gifford.
Clayt is survived by his loving wife of 71 years Sandra Gifford, of Deposit; sons and daughters-in-law, Bill and Carole Anne Gifford, of Deposit, Dave Gifford, of Deposit, and Joe and Karen Gifford, of Deposit; daughters and sons-in-law, Vicki and Doug Tiffany, of Deposit; and Jane and Pete Meneilly, of Booneville; sisters Judy Robertson, Lake Lamoka, and Patsy Gifford, Groton; 12 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Clayt was an iron worker who was a 25-year member of both the Binghamton Ironworkers Union Local #158 and Syracuse Ironworkers Union Local #60; the latter from which he retired. He was a true friend to everyone he came across, with the gift of gab. If you didn’t know him before you met him, you were a friend before you left. He enjoyed attending his children, grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s sporting events. Clayt was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially the sound of a dog on the trail of a white rabbit. He will be dearly missed by all his loving family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 1 - 4 p.m. at the Masonic Hall, 206 Front St. Deposit.
A private interment will take place in the Hambletville Cemetery, Deposit.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to The Deposit Food Pantry, PO Box 215, Deposit, NY 13754.
