Obituary of George S Cleffi Jr.

George S Cleffi passed away peacefully at the Chelsea Senior Residence in Montville on September 6. He was 92.

Born on November 27, 1926 in Succasunna, he was the eldest son of the late George and Dorothy (nee Corey) Cleffi. He grew up in Succasunna and Dover and attended Dover High School. He joined the Army in 1945 and served during World War II with the 86^th Infantry Division, also known as the Blackhawk Division. He was stationed in the Philippines at the end of the war, where his unit guarded Japanese prisoners of war after the Allied victory.

Upon returning home to Dover he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Inez Cahill, on September 4, 1948. They eventually settled in Rockaway and raised their family there, and later moved to Hackettstown.

A lifelong car enthusiast, George worked as an auto mechanic for all of his adult life, working at Dover Brake & Clutch for many years. He loved tinkering with cars and enjoyed auto racing as well. George also loved woodworking and used his collection of saws to fashion dollhouses, lawn decorations, jigsaw puzzles, and other wooden items for his friends and family. Other hobbies included fishing, bowling, and golf.

George will always be remembered as a man with a great sense of humor who took immense pride in his work and his family. He was generous with his time and talents and enjoyed sharing his knowledge and his passions with others. He was particularly devoted to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who loved him dearly and will carry many life lessons with them that they learned at his side over the years.

George is predeceased by brothers Jimmy and Jerry, sister Mary, and daughter Lori. He is survived by his loving wife Inez, to whom he was married for a remarkable 71 years; brother Bill (Joan) of Rockaway; daughter Carol (Buddy) Hendershot of Cheswick, PA; son George (Cathy) of Succasunna; son Gary of Ivyland, PA; former daughter-in-law Dalia of Ivyland, PA; eight grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.

Visitation Tuesday, 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM September 10, 2019 with a Funeral Service to follow at 12:00 PM  at Tuttle Funeral Home 272 Route 10, Randolph (www.tuttlefh.com).