Clifford T. “Cliff” Jefferson, Jr., 75, of Shrewsbury, died Saturday, December 19, 2015 in Saint Vincent Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Cliff was born in New Haven, CT, the son of Frances (Gublo) and Clifford Jefferson, Sr. He was a graduate of Notre Dame High School, West Haven, CT, and St. Bonaventure University, Olean, NY, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics. He had a long and successful career in microelectronics, microcircuitry, research and development, and program management as an employee of Martin Company in Maryland, Bunker-Ramo in southern California, and Raytheon and GTE Government Systems here in Massachusetts. He worked on and ran programs that were important components of the moon landing program and our nation's defense. After retiring from GTE, he earned a Certificate in Financial Planning from Boston University and established Jefferson Financial Services, where he worked until his death.

A 47-year parishioner of St. Mary's Church, in recent years he was also a daily communicant and lector. He co-founded the St. Mary's (School) Parents Association and served as its first treasurer. He was active in the Town of Shrewsbury as member and vice-chairman of the Finance Committee, member and chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals, and member of the SELCO Commission for more than 30 years, 27 years as chairman. He volunteered his financial advisory services to the town's seniors at the Shrewsbury Senior Center and quietly helped many other people in many ways, large and small, in the spirit of the Franciscan friars he encountered in college. He was an avid freshwater fly fisherman and recreational golfer, as well as a devoted fan of the New York Yankees, New England Patriots, and St. Bonaventure basketball. He developed a love for Alaska following a 1981 unguided canoe expedition down the Noatak River and closely followed the annual Iditarod sled race.

Cliff leaves his wife of 53 years, Viola (Santavenere) Jefferson; his children, Kelly Jefferson of Webster, and Cliff Jefferson III and his wife Ivy of Leicester; grandchildren David Jefferson of Shrewsbury and Nicolas Peterson, Janel Peterson, and Tyler Jefferson of Leicester; his sister Bernice Liba and her husband Carl of Wethersfield, CT; his godchildren Jonathan Liba of New York and Nicole Jefferson of Louisiana; sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his son, David Giles Jefferson, and his brother, Robert Jefferson.

Calling hours for Cliff will be on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 from 4-7 PM in the BRITTON-SHREWSBURY FUNERAL HOME, 648 Main St, Shrewsbury. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at 10:30AM in his parish church of St. Mary’s, 640 Main St. Shrewsbury, followed by burial at Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to the Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284; St. Anne's Human Services, 130 Boston Tpke, Shrewsbury, MA 01545; or St. Mary's School, 16 Summer Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

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