Clifford Griswold

Clifford Russell Griswold, 82 of New Bern, NC, formerly of New Jersey passed away peacefully at home into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior on Labor Day, September 7, 2020 surrounded by his wife and loving family.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a celebration of Cliff's life at his dear Pollocksville Presbyterian Church, 311 Main St. Pollocksvile NC 28573 on Saturday September 26, 2020 at 2 PM. Inurnment will be held at Monmouth Memorial Park in Tinton Falls, NJ at a later date.

Born in Trenton, NJ, Cliff raised his family in East Brunswick before moving to Monroe, and retired to New Bern in 2004. He worked as a forklift operator for Coca-Cola in New Brunswick for 40 years, belonging to the Teamsters Local # 812 in New York City, and Local #125 in Wayne, NJ. He also cherished time spent helping his wife, Eileen with her restaurant in Jamesburg.

Cliff always enjoyed the little things in life, and was sure to stop and smell the roses every day. His family and friends will always remember the happy tunes he whistled while preparing meals. In Cliff's home, Fridays meant leftovers night, and his family much anticipated his latest delicious creation. Cliff very much loved tending to his robust garden with Eileen. Time spent bird watching and soaking up the warm sun made Cliff happy as could be.  A Jersey boy at heart, Cliff loved Jersey tomatoes, especially paired with Hellman's mayonnaise! Other favorites were Jersey corn and Taylor ham, which he looked forward to family and friends bringing him on their visits. A world traveler, Cliff loved to try new things, after just a small bit of convincing!

A man of deep faith, Cliff was known for his sweet, affable disposition and for his generous spirit. Friendly as could be, he enjoyed striking up conversations with strangers who became friends wherever he went. An active member of the Pollocksville Presbyterian Church, Cliff served as a deacon there, and was instrumental in starting the Filling Station, a local food pantry that helps families in need.

The son of the late Richard and Hannah (nee Bickel) Griswold, Cliff was the beloved husband and 'diamond in the rough' of 56 years to Eileen E. (nee Fisher) Griswold; loving dad of Brenda Galante and her husband Frank, and the late Russell Todd Griswold; treasured Poppy of Frank R. Galante and Rachel Galante, dear brother-in-law of Pfr. Brent W. Fisher and Margaret Srack and her husband, the late John. He is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews, and by many loyal friends. Cliff was predeceased by his many cherished pets.

Though Cliff may be gone from the world, his legacy is in those that he has left behind. In his honor, please practice random acts of kindness, and remember to pay it forward! In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory also may be made to the Filling Station to help area families in need.

Well done thy good and faithful servant. You will be missed! Until we meet again...