Clifford A. Tibbetts, 77, of Waldoboro, died peacefully with his wife at his side, July 13 at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.
Born Jan. 26, 1937 in Rochester, N.H., he was the son of Maynard and Marguerite Boisvert Tibbetts.
Educated in New Hampshire, he was a 1955 graduate of Spaulding High School in Rochester. Following high school, Mr. Tibbetts entered the U.S. Air Force where he spent four years as an air traffic controller.
On Aug. 30, 1958 Clifford married Roberta Swett in South Hope. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1959, the couple settled in Waldoboro where he entered the apprenticeship program at Bath Iron Works. Finishing that program, he earned certification as an Electronics Technician and remained employed there for three more years. Mr. Tibbetts moved on to work for the U.S. Government as a civilian employee. He worked his way up to Business Review Officer for the Supervisor of Ship Building.
Mr. Tibbetts was described by his family as a ‘quiet man who led a quiet life.’ They said he loved to travel with his wife to places like Hawaii, Atlantic City, Florida, Branson, Mo., and Virginia. He also enjoyed time at home, using his computer and making spreadsheets. Watching sports on the television, especially the Red Sox, was another favorite pastime. He took great pride in the home he built with his own hands.
Spending time with his family was most important to him. He loved being with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was said that he never missed a trip to the beach with his daughter and his great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by brother, Forrest ‘Buster’ Tibbetts; and sister, Jackie Woodward.
Mr. Tibbetts is survived by his wife of over 55 years, Roberta Tibbetts; son, Rick Tibbetts; daughter, Debbie Merrifield and husband Fred, all of Waldoboro; brother, David Tibbetts and wife Bea of Sanbornville, N.H.; sister, Shirley Seekins of Winterport; brother-in-law, Freeman Woodward of New Hampshire; sister-in-law, Janet Tibbetts of Massachusetts; grandchildren, Amanda Tibbetts, Brandon Tibbetts and fiancée Jessica, Christina Bendtson and husband Eric, Elizabeth Grierson and husband Ian, and James Merrifield and fiancée Audrey; great-grandchildren, Noah Bendtson, Asa Bendtson, Olivia Grierson, and Anya Grierson; and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m., Mon., July 21 at Shuman Cemetery, Rt. 220, Waldoboro. The Rev. David English will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 51 US Route One, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074; or American Lung Association of Maine, 122 State St., Augusta, ME 04330.
To share a memory or condolence with Mr. Tibbetts’ family, please visit his Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland.
