Ira F. "Rocky" Clifford

Ira Franklin Clifford, affectionately known as “Rocky,” was called home on October 3, 2023 at UPMC Montefiore with his sister and best friend, Nancy, by his side. Rock was born April 11, 1948 at McKeesport Hospital. He was the son of the late Sarah Alice Thomas Clifford and the late Luther Franklin Clifford.  “Rock” grew up in Old Rainey, where he attended Southmoreland High School.  After graduating from high school in 1966, “Rock” would spend time in the United States Air Force from which he was honorably discharged. As a Jack of all trades,  "Rock" had worked several jobs before he was gainfully employed with the Duquesne Light Company for more than 20 years up until his retirement. Never the type to just sit around with idle hands, “Rock” would go on to work at Home Depot for an additional 16 years earning several awards during that time for his work and dedication to the company. He would also work as a driver for Uber where he met a lot of different people and was well liked by his clientele.  
 
"Rocky” had a quiet but smooth disposition, and a gentle giant with a great sense of humor. He was liked and respected by all who knew him. He was a member of 2nd Baptist Church in Mt. Pleasant. His favorite pastimes included fishing, artwork, fashion, culinary and his fandom of both the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was a lover of old school R&B and bebop music which he could talk to anyone about for hours on end. He loved the city of Pittsburgh, and was always happy to tell people about the city, its history and its landmarks. He loved his family, and his dedication to his family was undeniable and unconditional. The bond with his sister, Nancy, was unbreakable and she was there for him until his transition. 

 “Rocky ” was preceded in death by his father, mother and  sister, Sandra Lea Clifford. He is survived by his two sisters:  Nancy Mae Cox Gilmore of McKeesport, Pennsylvania and Celeste Clifford of Florida;  four nieces, Brandi Cox, Thomeesha Gilmore, Sade Gilmore, and Ausha Rietz (Patrick); seven nephews, Vernon John Cox III, Anthony Ira Cox, Richard Gilmore, Seanlou Gilmore, Joshua Gilmore, SirZyon Edwards Cox, and Joel Salih Jr. He also had a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends including his loving Aunt Ethel Thomas and his cousin Phillip Thomas, who he considered a brother. He also leaves behind his cat, Cleo.

 Rocky will always be a tender memory in our hearts as a gentle giant who looked at life with a great love for humanity. 

 A special thanks to the LaRoyal "Chipper" Wilson for always answering the phone and always being available during this time. Our family appreciates all the love and support during our time of bereavement.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm on Wednesday at Slater-Rega Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc 730 W. Main Street Mt. Pleasant where services will be held at 11am Thursday with Pastors Archie D. Perrin, Jr.and Kevin Bundridge officiating. Please visit Ira’s online memorial at rega.slaterfuneral.com to sign the condolence guestbook. Richard Rega, funeral director.