Joseph A. Clifford

Joseph Anthony Clifford of Union, NJ passed away on November 5, 2025, at the age of 73. Joseph was a gentle and kind soul who moved through the world with little fanfare.

He was born in Belleville, NJ, on January 21, 1952, and was the youngest of three children of Joseph O’Brien Clifford and Evelyn DeFeis Clifford.

A 1969 graduate of Belleville (NJ) High School, he married Susan Ann Cardel in 1971 and settled in his hometown of Kearny, NJ. Together, they raised two sons – Joseph Peter Clifford and Jason Anthony Clifford – until Susan’s untimely death in 1988.

For more than 35 years, he was employed as a registry clerk with the United States Postal Service’s Newark branch until his retirement about 16 years ago. There he worked alongside Gwen Lewis with whom their friendship evolved into an incredible partnership of more than 35 years. He considered her daughter, Michele Campbell, as one of his kids.

Joseph was a diehard fan of sports, including his beloved New Jersey Devils and beleaguered New York Jets.

Joseph is survived by his sons Joseph P. (Kamron) Clifford of Plainfield, NH, and Jason A. Clifford of Springfield, NJ, as well as two grandchildren (Joseph P.’s sons Maxwell James and Dalton Joseph Clifford). He is also survived by his partner of more than 35 years, Gwen Lewis of Union, NJ, and her daughter Michele Campbell of Union, NJ. He will be remembered as well by his two nieces, Rhonda Clifford and Melanie Cole. He is predeceased by his parents, wife Susan, and nephew Robert Clifford.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Galante Funeral Home located at 2800 Morris Ave in Union, NJ. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery located at 742 Rutherford Ave. in Lyndhurst, NJ.