Clifford A. Morton

The former Bethel Park Mayor, Clifford Alan Morton 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday Sept. 28th in the Artis Memory Care Facility in Bethel Park. He was born on September. 23, 1933 to Jay Sidney and Irene Stover and grew up in farm country in Northern Pennsylvania where he attended Spartanburg, High School. He attended Allegheny College as a freshman where he met his wife Joan Mitchell. After serving three years in the Marine Corp., he went on to receive his bachelor's degree from Washington and Jefferson College and later his masters from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years Joan Mitchell Morton, devoted sons Mitchell Jay (Karen), Shawn Alan (Kelly) . Grandchildren Jarrett Morton, Alayna (Cameron) Carver, Tanner Morton, Sarah (Michael) Maynard, Anna Morton, Matthew Turner and Justin Turner (Melissa), and 12 great-grandchildren. Deceased in addition to his parents, are sisters Willa Morton and Carol (William) Phillips and an infant granddaughter Brittany Morton. Surviving are brother William (Connie) Morton and sister Linda (Phillip) Cotter. Cliff was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as his extended family. He always enjoyed playing, watching, and coaching his sons in many sports particularly baseball and football. Many weekends were spent at Lake Seneca, Ohio where the family enjoyed camping, boating, water skiing, fishing, and golfing. Cliff was a member of the Ruthfred Lutheran Church in Bethel Park where he many times served as trustee. He loved participating in a men’s weekly church bible study called “Journey Through The Word.” Through the years Cliff held a variety of positions that qualified him to run for the mayor's position in 1998. Serving 16 years as mayor, Cliff was dedicated to serving his community and implemented many improvements and programs benefiting his community. These programs include: Bethel Park beautification project, utilizing volunteers, Boy Scouts and residents, the decorative banner program, organized a holiday lighting display contest including a winner from each ward. The most popular was the 90+ club recognizing senior citizen birthdays and recognizing them at an annual luncheon to honor their milestone. These programs are still in effect today thanks to him. He also contributed articles in the Bethel Park Magazine. Prior to his mayoral position he served seven months working as a Seaman on the great lakes, 5 years teaching english in the Bethel Park junior and senior school district, 18 years employed at U.S. Steel as sales service supervisor (retired), a 6 year term on Bethel Park School Board, 10 years as owner of (Wood Whims) a custom-made wood shop, a passion for wood working skills he passed onto his sons. He was also employed by Paul Henney Funeral Home where he was a driver and greeter. He was also a member of the Historical Society, Elks Club, American Legion and former member of the Lion’s Club and Gideons. He was also part of the Allegheny County and PA. State Mayor Association, and a trustee of the Ruthfred Lutheran Church and the Bethel Park Foundation. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation for the loving care and support the Artis Senior Living Care Home and the Commonwealth Hospice staff showed to Cliff. Especially during his final days - their care and compassion was comforting for the family. Visitation will be Sunday 2-4 only and Monday 2-4 and 6-8 at the Paul Henney Cremation and Funeral Tributes in Bethel Park. The service will be Tuesday 11:00 am at Ruthfred Lutheran Church in Bethel Park followed by a luncheon at the church. Everyone please meet at the church. Burial will be at the Jefferson Memorial Park following the luncheon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in Cliff’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Research Center Pittsburgh –UPMC Montifiore, online at adrc.pitt.edu or Ruthfred Church Benevolence Fund at 3401 South Park Rd. Bethel Park Pa 15102

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