Clifford S. White, of Ithaca passed away at Beechtree Care Center on Saturday, January 1, 2011 at the age of 83.

Cliff was born on November 15, 1927 in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Solomon and Florence (Wildrick) White. Following his graduation from high school, Cliff entered the US Navy on February 28, 1945 and was honorably discharged on August 26, 1946. He was a graduate of both a bookkeeping school in Pennsylvania and a welding school in Rochester before accepting a position with NY Central Railroad. For 41 years Cliff worked for NY Central, Penn Central and Conrail Railroads, retiring from Conrail in 1987.

On October 5, 1987 Cliff married his companion of 17 years, Ida Mae Stilwell. As newlyweds, the couple moved to Florida where they spent much of their retirement enjoying the warm weather and making fond memories. In 2005, Cliff and Ida moved back to Trumansburg to be closer to their families. 

Cliff honed his woodworking skills by creating wood furniture that filled his home. He especially enjoyed making and painting Disney character inspired wooden lawn ornaments. Cliff was also a member of the VFW and Masons.

In addition to his parents, Cliff was preceded in death by his first wife, Emily White; and a son, James White. He is survived by his wife, Ida Mae White of Ithaca; three step-sons, Larry (Linda) Stilwell of Ithaca, Gary Stilwell of Trumansburg, and Richard (Becky) Stilwell of Ithaca; two step-daughters, Cheryl (Mark) Godshall of Riverside, CA, and Dawn Stilwell of Freeville; ten step-grandchildren; twelve step-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Eleanor Whitehead of Florida.

A Memorial Service and Military Honors Tribute will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South Street, Trumansburg.

The family asks those who wish to make a contribution in Cliff’s memory to kindly consider the Trumansburg American Legion Post 770, PO Box 456, Trumansburg, NY 14886 or the Trumansburg Masonic Temple, PO Box 752, Trumansburg, NY 14886.