Clinton-Joseph P. Clisham, 86, a lifelong resident of Clinton, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 16, 2015 at Umass Medical Center in Worcester surrounded by his loving family. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Marilyn A. (Rich) Clisham, who died in 2014. He is survived by his seven children; daughter, Mary Jo Bates & Richard Montuori of Chelmsford; Elizabeth Vetras & husband Thomas of Clinton; Patrick J. Clisham & wife Suzanne of Berlin; Ann Perla of Leominster; Michael A. Clisham & wife Ellen of Milton; Joseph J. Clisham & wife Diana of Stow; Kathryn Clisham & companion Steve Frias of Clinton. He leaves 12 grandchildren, Jessica Gilchrest & her husband Michael, Jeffrey Bates & his wife Kristen, Isabella & Zachary Perla, Patrick, Aidan, Cameron, Cal, Maggie, Ella, Olivia & Tess Clisham; 3 great-grandchildren, Reagan and David Gilchrest, and Otis Bates; nieces, Moira Donohue, Lisa Dion, and Tricia Thorogood, and their families, numerous cousins, & many dear and loyal friends. He is preceded in death by his siblings, Anne Heinold, and Thomas “Buddy” Clisham.
Joe was born at his home on Chestnut Street in Clinton to the late Patrick & Annie (Gahagan) Clisham. He attended Holy Rosary Elementary School, graduated from the Clinton High School, Class of 1947, and obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Fitchburg State College and Master’s degree in Education from Boston University. Joe worked for the FBI in Washington D.C. before proudly serving our nation in the US Army during the Korean War. He returned home and began his 40-year career in education as a Math teacher with Classical High School in Worcester and later taught at Doherty High School until his retirement in 1992. Mr. Clisham also enjoyed part-time summer employment with the US Postal Service in Clinton. A man of great faith, he was a lector and life member of St. John the Guardian of Our Lady Parish in Clinton. Joe held membership with the MA Teachers Association and enjoyed many years at Orchard Hills Athletic Club. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Funeral services are to be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 from the Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water St., Clinton, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11AM in St. John the Evangelist Church, 80 Union St., Clinton. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Lancaster. Calling hours will be held from 4 until 7PM on Monday, October 19, 2015 in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Joseph Clisham to either, St. John the Evangelist Church-Restoration Fund, c/o 149 Chestnut St., Clinton, MA 01510, or to Clinton Hospital Foundation-201 Highland St., Clinton, MA 01510. Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com