Clifton F. Hickok

Clermont, FL - Clifton F. Hickok, 70, left this earthly realm on November 8, 2020, due to complications from surgery. He was treasured, funny and steadfast to all who held him dear and crossed his path.

Clif's life changed forever for the better during a "cruise of destiny" aboard the SS Norway where he met Judy Johnson, his wife, soulmate, and partner of 35 years. Together they raised a daughter and two sons who were a constant source of joy and unabashed love. Their memories in Fair Haven, NJ included the New Year's Eve pizza bake-off and chauffeuring to karate, dance lessons or hanging out at the mall. Their household was enlarged by no fewer than four dogs at a time and dozens of finches and parakeets. Enthusiastic aficionados of Disney and warmth, the family relocated to the Orlando, FL area in 2004. Clif continued to cheer on and lend support to their children as adults whether from the audience of a musical, babysitting a new grandchild, or helping to bargain for a major purchase. In recent years, a perfect day would be taking his Lexus through the car wash, walking near a lake with his grandchild and sneaking in an ice cream cone.

Raised in a self-described bucolic childhood enveloped in the extended Grasso family in Staten Island, NY, Clif eventually traveled the world amassing more than 1.7 million air miles and driving more than 1.1 million miles around the USA. During a decades-long management career in the shipping industry, primarily with American President Lines, he lived in Bahrain, Jakarta and California. He conducted business in South Korea, Hong Kong, among many other overseas and domestic destinations. Clif was in his element when he used his quick humor and negotiating skills to secure the deal. An avid sports hobbyist, his fervor peaked during the Belmont Stakes or a Notre Dame game. Clif graduated from Blessed Sacrament Elementary School, St. Peter's High School for Boys and Pace University, all located in New York City.

Clif was predeceased by his cherished wife and beloved parents Phyllis and Frank. He is survived by his three precious children Carissa, Daniel and Eric who he proudly championed and loved unconditionally and their life partners Ryan, Angelica and Shawn, his exquisite grandchildren, Luke Dawson, Daniel Jr., Sophia and Erik, who he fiercely wanted to watch grow into great people, his younger sister and only sibling Deb, niece Isabel, nine first cousins and their 25 children, friend-turned-brother David Wenger, and many friends from his Ravenhurst Avenue youth, St. Pete's track team, APL and other co-workers, and horse racing. While Clif kidded that he was unable to utter "I love you," there was no question that he held us in his heart.

Clif had his nostalgia for the surf, Ron Jon's and all things Long Beach Island emblazoned in a tattoo.

His family is planning a celebration of his life this summer in Barnegat Light, NJ.