Arthur “Artie” L. Clifford, Jr. of Quincy, Mass. Vietnam combat veteran of the 101st Airborne Division.

Born on October 11, 1946, Artie was the son of the late Arthur L. Clifford and Eileen (McCabe) of Dorchester and Quincy, predeceased by his beautiful and kind wife Cindy (Massey) in 2004. Dear brother of Nancy Clifford Widmann of San Diego, CA formerly of New York and Jane Christine Clifford also of San Diego, CA. Uncle of Sabina Widmann Reynolds (Brian) of San Diego and granduncle to her daughters, Lune and Stella. Cherished brother in law of Gail Costeles and her husband Bob Krim of Weymouth, and uncle to Melissa Cochrane of Braintree and several grandnieces and grandnephews. Artie is also survived by his beloved best friend and mentee, The Honorable Governor of Massachusetts Maura T. Healey.

A standout athlete who graduated from Archbishop Williams High School and attended Cushing Academy, Artie was drafted as a pitcher and signed by the Detroit Tigers organization in 1968. Artie answered the United States’ call to serve in Vietnam with pride and honor, spending one year in combat shortly after beginning his baseball career. After honorably completing his military service which included long range reconnaissance in the Southeast Asian jungles, Artie returned to playing professional baseball until an injury shortened his career. Artie spent several years playing in the Boston Park League baseball league where he pitched with several city of Boston legends.

For over thirty years, Artie was an integral part of the Harvard Athletics Department where he mentored generations of Harvard students. Like his adored mother, Eileen, Artie was notable for his quiet strength, his wry sense of humor, and his kindness—especially to the athlete who didn’t make the team, to women athletes struggling for equal opportunity, and to those blue collar students who were finding their way at Harvard. Artie rooted for the underdog in his life and at Harvard, and underneath his inscrutable façade was a heart of gold.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on OCTOBER 2, 2026 at Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock Street, Quincy MA 02170, followed by a graveside service at Pine Hill Cemetery. A celebration of life to be held from 5 PM to 9 PM at one of his favorite places, the Stockyard Restaurant, 135 Market Street, Brighton, MA 02135. Because Artie would prefer to be remembered in helping students in need, please consider donations to the Harvard Varsity Club, c/o Artie Clifford Student Support Fund, www.harvardvarsityclub.org, 65 North Harvard Street, Murr Center, Boston, MA 02163 in lieu of flowers.