H. Paxson Gifford Sr., 96, WWII Veteran, Former Darien Resident

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Obit

Image by Willie Wax on Wikimedia Commons

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H. Paxson Gifford, Sr. 96, of Mount Dora, Fl. and a former Darien resident, died peacefully on June 21.

Obit

Image by Willie Wax on Wikimedia Commons

Image by Willie Wax on Wikimedia Commons

He was born on Sept. 23, 1919 in Hollidaysburg, Pa. After attending local schools he went to Mercersburg Academy. While at Mercersburg he was a member of a relay team which set a World’s Record at the Penn Relays for their age group in the 4 x 100 relay.

He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1943 where he played football, was captain of the track team, and was inducted into the Sphinx honor society. His name, along with those of his relay team, is displayed on the Penn Relays “Wall of Fame” in Franklin Field. During WWII he was a naval flight instructor.

He was predeceased by his wife Emily Gleason Gifford, wife Dolores Burey Gifford, sister Elizabeth Gifford Stultz, and brother Joseph Gifford. Survived by children H. Paxson (Marilyn) of New Canaan, Benjamin Gleason (Jane Carlin) of Stamford, and Carol Anne of Mount Dora.

He is also survived by grandsons Christopher (and his wife, Laura) and Andrew; stepchildren Jeff Burey, John Burey, and Dale Gillespie; nieces and nephew Judith Ferguson, Sara Stultz, Jane Robertson, Rebecca Piper, David Haberstroh, Christine Crockett, Peggy Gifford, and Rebecca Zepp.

Our family would like to thank the staff at Osprey Lodge Memory Care and Assisted Living, Tavares, FL for the excellent care given to our father.

A private memorial service will be held in Darien at a later date. Beyer Funeral Home, in Leesburg, Fl. and Lawrence Funeral Home in Darien are handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care, 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL 32778, or to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.

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