Clifford Stehle

Niantic — Clifford “Cliff ” Lawrence Stehle, 77, of Niantic, passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday, May 23, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Cliff was born Aug. 21, 1945, in Queens, N.Y., to Philip Conrad Stehle and Martha Mary Kick.

He graduated from Brooklyn Tech and went on to get his degree in electrical engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of New York University. While in college, he became a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity through which he met his soulmate and best friend, Mary Tedesco. Cliff and Mary married May 25, 1968, and later moved to Niantic. While there, they raised three beautiful daughters: Kristen, Kara and Keri.

He began his career as an engineer at Electric Boat before moving on to Anteon International Corp. He served on the zoning and water commissions of East Lyme. He completed his postgraduate degree at University of New Haven. Cliff was a devout member of St. Agnes Church and was past chairman of the parish council. Cliff and Mary supported Goodspeed Opera House for over 47 years and volunteered at the Florence Griswold Museum.

Cliff had a passion for fluke fishing, reading the Wall Street Journal, investing in stocks, cooking for his family, traveling the world with his wife and planning their next adventures. They were snowbirds in the winter months and resided in Marco Island, Fla. Despite all of his passions, Cliff cared nothing more than for his family, especially his six grandchildren. He would make them breakfast, take them on fishing trips, attend their sports games and theatre performances, and support them through all of their goals and aspirations. Cliff and Mary loved to host Christmas Eve dinner for over 40 members of their family and friends.

Cliff is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary; his daughters: Kristen (Peter), Kara (Colby Sr.) and Keri (Kevin). He is also survived by his six grandchildren: Kyla, Alexa, Colby Jr., Teagan, Lea and Sully. Cliff is predeceased by his parents, Philip and Martha; as well as his brother Wallace.

The calling hours are from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 30, at Neilan Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. the following day at St. Agnes Church in Niantic. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for any donations to go to the American Cancer Society, Center for Hospice Care Southeast Connecticut, and St. Agnes Church. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.