William M. Clifford

William M. "Bill" Clifford, 79, of Manchester, died peacefully at his home on May 2, 2018 after a courageous battle with prostate cancer.

He was born in Watervliet, NY on January 8, 1939 to Earl and Anna (Nash) Clifford. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1957.

Bill was President of TFC Logistics and the former CEO and President of St. Johnsbury Trucking Company. He started his transportation career in 1957 as an office clerk with Associated Transport in Albany, NY. He went on to serve in many capacities with St. Johnsbury Trucking Company including Terminal Manager, Claims Prevention Manager, Director of Service, Regional Manager, Northern Division Manager and Vice-President of Sales and Operations. He was appointed President in 1981 and stayed in that position until St. Johnsbury closed in 1993. During his tenure St. Johnsbury grew to be the largest carrier in the Northeast and the 11th largest carrier in the U.S.

While President of St. Johnsbury, Clifford was very active in the industry serving as Chairman, member of the Board of Governors and Regular Common Carrier Conference, Vice-President at Large, American Trucking Association Executive Committee, Board of Directors Trucking Management Inc., President Canadian-American Motor Carriers Association, 1st Vice-President Massachusetts Motor Transport Association. 1st Vice-President Middle Atlantic Motor Rate Bureau, Chairman Board of Trustees Teamsters Locals 170 and 437 Worcester Health and Welfare Fund, Board of Trustees New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund.

He also served on the Board of Directors of Central New England College and was a police commissioner in Manchester for many years.

The family includes his wife of 17 years, Elaine M (Demers) Clifford; children, Tara Clifford and husband, Greg Kruszewski, Jill Clifford, Anthony Goulet and Jeff Clifford and wife, Julie; a step-daughter, Sarah Emery and husband, Eric; grandchildren; a sister, Phyllis McGrath and husband, Bud; and nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister, Betty Signorelli and brother-in-law, John Signorelli.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, May 7, 2018 at St. Pius X Church, Candia Road, Manchester. Committal prayers followed at the NH State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen.

Memorial donations may be made to the NH Food Bank, 700 E. Industrial Park Dr., Manchester, NH 03109.