Ronald J. Clifford of Melrose, passed away at the Cooley Dickerson Hospital of Northampton, MA on Sunday, March 2, 2008. He was 78 years old. Born on March 12, 1929 in Chelsea, MA to the late Ronald & Gertrude (Courtney) Clifford, he was raised in Chelsea and graduated from Chelsea High School, class of 1947. Mr. Clifford worked in the factory for the Thomas Strahan Wallpapering Company of Chelsea for 27 years. He enjoyed camping, cooking, eating every kind of candy and listening to Irish Music. Ron also enjoyed watching the Red Sox & Patriots. He was the devoted husband of 40 years to the late Eileen F. (Finnegan) Clifford and they lived in Melrose for 30 years. He was the loving father of Laureen A. Clifford & her husband Richard Carrera of Sea Cliff, NY, Gayle M. Clifford of Charlestown & Paula S. Sakey & her husband Robert of Northampton. Cherished grandfather of Adele Rose Sakey & Will Sakey. A funeral service will be held in the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Tues. March 4th at noon. Family & friends invited. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Arrangements by The Gately Funeral Home of Melrose. Memorial contributions in Ron's memory may be made to the American Lung Assoc. of Massachusetts 460 Totten Pond Rd. Waltham, MA 02451- Visitation: None None