Walter Gordon Clifford, 88, of the Avenel section of Woodbridge Township, passed away on Friday, February 10, 2023 at The Venetian Care Center in South Amboy.

Walter was born December 25, 1935 in Newark, NJ to the late Marion and Harry Clifford. He grew up in East Orange, NJ, where he attended elementary school, high school, and then attended Upsala College. Walter also attended The Student Arts League of New York and served in the National Guard.

Walter was a Communicant of St. Andrew's R.C. Church in Avenel where he served as Lector and R.C.I.A. Instructor for many years. He worked as an art instructor for a private school in Montclair, NJ before his 25 year career as a Social Worker in Newark. After his first retirement, he worked as a Gate Agent for Continental Airlines at Newark Liberty Airport for 13 years, and then officially retired in 2007.

Walter was a classical music enthusiast and even recorded classical music concerts at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, as well as other various locations in NJ. He was an avid reader, an artist, enjoyed cycling, and taking long walks every day.

Walter is survived by his wife of 54 years Mayra Martinez Clifford; daughter Kristina and her husband Tim of Avenel; granddaughter Gabrielle; and brother Gene Clifford who resides in Maine.

Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Costello-Koyen Funeral Home, 399 Avenel Street, Avenel.

A 9:30 a.m. Funeral Liturgy will take place on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at St. Andrew's R.C. Church, North Madison Avenue, Avenel.  Cremation will be private.

Memorial contributions to The St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. Andrew's Church, 244 Avenel Street, Avenel would be appreciated by the family.