SPRINGFIELD – Clifford C. “Cliff” Bridges, 93, of Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Saturday, February 25, 2017. He passed into Eternal Life at his home surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born on February 5, 1924 in Pelican, Louisiana, a beloved son of the late Franklin Buford Bridges and Stella Mae (Odum) Bridges. He was raised in Pelican and later in Baker, Louisiana and graduated from Baker High School. He was the recipient of a four-year scholarship to Louisiana State University for his Track and Field skills. However, he was drafted into the United States Army Air Corps and never had the opportunity to attend. He served his country in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He received the Good Conduct Medal and the American Theater Campaign Ribbon. He was employed for over 30 years as a carpenter and had worked for Island Transfer in Springfield. He was a former member of Foster Memorial Church in Springfield. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed rooting for his beloved Louisiana State University Tigers. He also enjoyed visiting the horse and dog tracks locally. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved wife and best friend, Mae Elaine (Ferrier) Bridges who was Called Home on March 11, 1988; his loving daughter, Judith E. Manfredi who was Called Home on January 28, 2003; his cherished grandson, James Manfredi; his five dear brothers, Buford, Rankin Thomas “RT”, his twin Clifton, John Charles “JC” and Ray Bridges; and his dear sister, Louise Lyons. He leaves his loving son, Garry C. Bridges and his wife, Christine, of Longmeadow; his three cherished grandchildren, Kevin Bridges and his wife, Emily, Paul Manfredi, II and his wife, Maureen and Pamela J. Barnes and her husband, Damian; his eight cherished great-grandchildren, Jackson Bridges, Tyler Manfredi, Catherine and Anissa Newman, Tianna and Jamie Barnes and Taylor and Brianna Manfredi; and his many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended members of the Bridges and Ferrier families. His family would like to extend special thanks to Marshall Manfredi, III for all his compassionate care of Clifford. His relatives and friends are invited to attend a Committal Service with United States Air Force Military Honors for Clifford and also for services for his wife, Mae, on Friday, March 10, 2017 at 3 p.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. There are no visiting hours at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke Activity Fund, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
