Obituary of John Grifford

John Paul Gifford Sr. 73, of Niles, passed away August 9 at Lakeland Hospital, of natural causes. He was born in North Adams, MA to Jesse Eugene and Alvina L. (Poisante) Gifford, in 1933. He was raised on Florida Mountain, near Mount Greylock. He was a machinist for Berkshire Hathaway in Adams, MA and Friday Tractor of Watervliet, MI. He retired in 1994, due to a disability. After retirement he became a Soldier with the Salvation Army in Niles, in 1999. He met his life partner, Mary Agnes Stevens-Gifford in 1965, and had been with her for 42 years. They lived in many places; and retired to Niles, MI, near daughter, Kathy. They were the owners of Giffords Pottery in Hudson, Fl before retirement. He was preceded in death by Mary Agnes' son Gerald W. Stevens. John was preceded in death by his parents and 4 brothers, Norman, Eugene, Joseph and Adrien. He is survived by Mary Agnes and his children from a previous marriage, Debra Ann Cohen of North Adams, MA., John P. Jr. (Linda), of Chester, MA., and Sister-in-law, Anna (Mickey) Gifford, as well as, Mary Agnes' children, Kathy Stevens of Niles, MI and Jeff (Donna) Stevens of Vine Grove, KY, and Laura (Rudy) Schoewe of Chicago, 16 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and a host of friends. John was a beloved father and companion, as well as a patient and loving man, and cared for Mary Agnes diligently, during her many illnesses through the years. In keeping with John's wishes, cremation has taken place and an interment was held at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens.