Suffield Obituary: Clifton Caldon, 99

Clifton Mailes Caldon of Suffield passed away on Sunday, September 30, 2018 at the age of 99. He is predeceased by his wife, Eleanor (Estabrook) Caldon, who passed away in January 2007 and son, David Lee Caldon who passed away in December 2007. He is also predeceased by brothers Robert and John Caldon.

He is survived by a son, Brian Caldon (Virginia) of East Berne, NY, and a daughter, Janet Kochanowski (Jack) of Avon, and daughter-in-law Susan Caldon of Fort Fairfield, ME. He is also survived by grandchildren, Christopher Clifton Caldon, James Caldon, Jenna Evans, Todd Kochanowski, Leah Lapczenski, Laura Pearson, and Karaugh Prugar as well as great-grandchildren, Noah Lee Caldon, Delaney Martin, Caitlin Thomasian, Timothy Caldon, Harley Caldon, Sophie Eleanor Evans, Jack Evans, Jada Lapczenski, Cierra Lapczenski, Gary Pearson, Adeline Estabrook Prugar, Cooper Mailes Kochanowski, and Benjamin Caldon Prugar; and great-great grandchildren, Gracie Thomasian and Liam Thomasian. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Eunice Estabrook Desjardins and brother-in-law, Deane Estabrook (Arline) and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Clifton was born to Lee and Gladys Caldon on January 25, 1919 and was raised in Plymouth, NH. He and Eleanor were high school sweethearts who married on June 2, 1940. He enlisted in the Army when his first child, David, was one year old and served in the European Theater with the 90th Infantry Division. On July 23, 1944 he was taken prisoner near St. Lo, France with 150 other soldiers and for 9 months was missing in action as a POW. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Prisoner of War Medal.

Upon returning to civilian life he continued his career with Beneficial Finance Company where he worked for 38 years. Clifton was a man devoted to his family, his faith and to the good of others. His volunteer work included Meals on Wheels, Suffield VNA, York Hospital in York, Maine, Bradley International Airport, State of CT VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), and was recognized by the CT Department of Economic Development for outstanding volunteer service.

He also devotedly served his churches in Suffield, Cheshire and York, ME. He was a member of First Church of Christ, Suffield and a 70-year member of Blazing Star Eureka Masonic Lodge.

Tall in stature and character, Clifton was a dignified but down-to earth gentleman. He found joy in all things and faced challenges with grace and fortitude. He led by quiet example and elicited respect from all who knew him. We will miss his easy grace, endless jokes, and good-natured and welcoming spirit.

Clifton’s family wishes to thank the caregivers at Suffield by the River for their professional and loving care.

Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Service on Friday, October 12, 2018, 11 AM at the First Church of Christ Suffield, 81 High Street, Suffield. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Clifton’s memory to the Suffield Volunteer Ambulance, PO Box 642, Suffield, CT 06078, the Suffield Community Aid, 450 South St. Suffield, CT 06078, or the First Church of Christ Memorial Gift Fund, 81 High St. Suffield, CT 06078.

The Nicholson & Carmon Funeral Home of Suffield is caring for the arrangements.