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Clifford George Ward

Clifford George “Cliff” Ward, 74, of Ivoryton, passed away early in the morning of Dec. 29. Cliff was well known as the owner of Cliff’s Quality Meats in Essex, formally the Ivoryton Store for more than 40 years. He was also a proud member of the Essex Fire Engine Co. No.1 for 43 years, an EMT, and a past volunteer member of the Essex Ambulance Association. Cliff was known as a giver of his time, money, resources, and knowledge. He loved helping people. He was also a prankster and had a mischievous smile that let you know he was up to one of his shenanigans. Although he could be a troublemaker, he had a heart of gold.

Cliff was born in Jacksonville, Florida on Jan. 8, 1948, to the late Charles James “Gramps” Ward and Katherine May (Van Riper). Cliff was a past member of the Old Lyme Fire Department. He graduated from Old Lyme High School, as well as becoming an Eagle Scout. He went on to become a wood pattern maker by trade, earning his journeyman’s papers. He also worked for Russell’s Prime Meats in Old Lyme where he made a longtime friend/father figure in the late Clarence Russell. Cliff moved to Ivoryton and opened The Ivoryton Store, Cliff’s Quality Meats. He then moved his business to 88 Plains Road in Essex as Cliff’s Quality Meats, where his son, Scott, continues to run the family business.

He is survived by his children, D. Scott Ward and his wife Kathleen of Old Saybrook, Katherine Raymond of Deep River, and J. Scott LaCross of Ivoryton. He is also survived by his brother Bruce W. of Marysville, Ohio; as well as four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. Cliff was predeceased by his brothers, Richard C. and Jerome D.; as well as his sister Dorothy A. Rogers.

Visiting hours were on Jan. 4, at the Robinson Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main St., Centerbrook. Funeral services were on Jan. 5, at Essex Fire Engine Co #1, 11 Saybrook Road, Essex. Interment will follow at Centerbrook Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home. To share a memory to leave condolences, please visit www.rwwfh.com. Donations in Cliff’s memory may be made to either Essex Fire Engine Co #1, Essex Ambulance Association or to the Cliff Ward Foundation, 88 Plains Road, Essex, CT, created in his honor in an effort to continue to give back to the community.