Terrence ‘Terry’ D. Clifford

Terrence “Terry” D. Clifford, 72, a lifelong resident of Auburn, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Guthrie Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, surrounded by his loving family.

Born to the late David and Beverly (Waby) Clifford, Terry grew up in Auburn with a deep appreciation for community, family, and faith. A proud member of the last graduating class of Mt. Carmel High School in 1970, Terry carried the values of integrity and service with him throughout his life.

Terry dedicated over three decades to working as a corrections officer, primarily in Auburn, before retiring from Five Points Correctional Facility in Romulus. His greatest work wasn’t in a uniform—it was in the lives he touched beyond the walls of any institution.

Terry found joy in simple pleasures: tending to his garden, watching the birds that visited his backyard, and collecting coins that told stories of years gone by. His love for sports ran deep, especially when it came to cheering on the Bears or the Fighting Irish. He was happiest in the stands at his children’s and grandchildren’s games, recitals, and graduations— loudly proud, endlessly supportive, and deeply involved.

His heart, however, belonged most to his family and his community. For more than 50 years, Terry was a driving force behind the Auburn Hockey Club. Known affectionately as the Voice of the Auburn Maroons, he brought excitement, humor, and pride to the rink. Terry’s influence extended far beyond the announcer’s booth—he was a mentor, encourager, and role model to generations of young athletes. His voice was more than a call of the game—it was a call to community, support, and togetherness.

Terry was also deeply committed to giving back. A dedicatedvolunteer with the Salvation Army, he quietly gave his time, energy, and compassion to those in need, always showing up with humility and a servant’s heart. Whether cooking and serving meals during the holidays, organizing community efforts, or lending a hand behind the scenes, Terry believed in lifting others up—especially those going through difficult times. His commitment to service was not just something he did; it was part of who he was. He lived by example, teaching his children and grandchildren that kindness, generosity, and showing up for others are among the greatest legacies a person can leave behind.

Terry leaves behind his beloved wife of 50 years, Mary (Crawford) Clifford, with whom he built a life rooted in love, laughter, and resilience. He is also survived by their four children: Robert (Casey), Timothy (Amanda), David, and Sara; grandchildren: Connor (Alex), Delaney, Loren (Jon), Kerryn, Elise, Robert, Kaimani, My’King, Cartier, and Aminah; and great-grandchildren: Beau and Nora.

Terry also leaves behind his siblings Linda (John) Prati, Robert (Sue) Clifford, and Michael (Janine) Clifford, brother-in-law Michael Dougherty, the mother of his grandchildren, Georgia Clifford, along with many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and his best friend, Brian MacDavitt—all of whom he cherished dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jill Dougherty, and brother-in-law John Crawford.

Calling hours will be held this Saturday, October 25th, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM at Pettigrass Funeral Home, with a service  to immediately follow. All who knew and loved him are invited to his Celebration of Life at the Knights of Columbus following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Terry’s memory to the Auburn Fire Department , c/o Auburn Firefighters Permanent Benevolent Association, 31 Seminary St., Auburn, NY 13021 or the St. Alphonsus Food Pantry—two pillars of the community he loved so much.

Terry Clifford lived a life of service, kindness, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. His legacy lives on in every cheer from the stands, every hockey puck dropped at center ice, and every act of quiet generosity in the town he called home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Terrence ‘Terry’ D. Clifford, please visit our floral store.