Clifford Chippendale, 85, of Newcastle, passed away Jan. 3.
Having lived in Bridgewater, N.J. until the age of 52, Clifford retired as a Captain from the New Jersey State Police. His career spanned 28 years from 1956 through 1984. Assignments included road trooper, firearms instructor at the New Jersey State Police Academy, internal affairs, personnel department, and labor relations. Cliff also spearheaded the NJSP Weapons and Tactical Committee, and was the driving force to change troopers’ side arms from revolvers to automatic weapons. After earning a Master’s degree while attending school in the evenings, Cliff enjoyed teaching criminal justice courses at multiple colleges throughout New Jersey.
Another passion was his love for football. Cliff was head coach for several years for the Somerville (N.J.) Pop Warner Football Team, and led them to a state championship in 1968. A year later he took a second mortgage against his home to start the Bridgewater (N.J.) Pop Warner Football Team. An avid athlete himself, Cliff was recruited directly out of Kearny High School by the Boston Braves A team as a professional pitcher.
Upon retirement from the NJSP, Cliff moved to Franconia, N.H. with his high school sweetheart, and wife of 65 years, Maryann Chippendale. Together they shared their passion for skiing and the outdoors. During the summer months, they would enjoy their lake house on Pemaquid Lake in Nobleboro.
Not one to stand still, Cliff was recruited and accepted a consulting position with Hechler & Koch, a Germany based gun manufacturer. For over five years Cliff traveled the world, teaching federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies how to shoot, maintain and maximize H&K products. Classified as a firearms expert, Cliff was also instrumental in many civil litigations involving firearms.
Most recently, Cliff relocated to the Lincoln Home in Newcastle with wife Maryann. Cliff was truly a man’s man, with a gift for finding friends around the world, and never losing touch. He was known by everyone at Lincoln Home for his dry humor even in the face of difficulties, and for his love and care for his beloved wife Maryann.
Cliff will truly be missed by all.
Cliff was predeceased by a beloved daughter, Diane Chippendale.
Cliff is survived by his wife, Maryann Chippendale; daughters, Linda Chippendale, and Beth Chippendale; son, David Chippendale; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and brothers, Donald, and Jimmy Chippendale.
