Clifford A. “Chip” Stimpson, Jr. of Lantern Hill passed away on June 16, 2011 at home surrounded by the people he loved, and after a long, courageous battle with lung cancer.
Cliff was born on August 4, 1949, the son of the late Clifford and Anna Stimpson. He was also predeceased by a brother, Thomas F. Main of Ledyard.
Chip is survived by his sister, Mabel Ann Stimpson and “chosen” sister, Mary Cooper "Duffy", both of Monroe, OH and No. Stonington; his nephews Tom Main Jr. of No. Stonington and Kevin (Dawn) Main of Ledyard; and a niece, Sandra (Dave) Pasieka of Mystic. Cliff is also survived by very special friends Mike and Gail Lamperelli of New London, who helped him through his 6 year battle; Paul and Doris Ratliff, and their sons, Joshua, Caleb and Aaron of Pioneer, LA whose love and friendship was cherished throughout the years; and loving close friends, Jim “Porkchop” Tracy and Tina Carnot of Ledyard/North Stonington. Jim was like a son who loved, stayed and cared for Chip during the toughest part of his long fight.
During his life, Cliff was involved in various successful endeavors. As a young man, he learned to operate heavy equipment and worked on the levees on the Mississippi river. He also founded a sand and gravel company. Well-known as an expert dragline and crane operator, he also owned a construction company and did much work in the area. In his later years, he went back to his roots as a dairy farmer. His work was his life hobby.
His family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Tuesday from 12noon-1:45pm, followed by a service at 2pm. Burial will be in Elm Grove Cemetery.
Donations may be made to Hospice of SECT (who took such great care of him ), 227 Dunham St., Norwich 06360 or American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org).
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