Obituary: Sidney G. Clow, 85, of Branford

Obituary courtesy of Shoreline Cremation.

Sidney G. Clow passed from this Earth, surrounded by family, on January 12, 2023, after a battle with cancer. Born February 17, 1937, he was 85 years old. He was the devoted and loving husband of 56 years to Nancy (Kos) Clow. He was the proud father of Ashley Clow Joiner (Tommy Hinman) and Wesley Clow. And he loved and adored his grandchildren Peyton Joiner, Jadyn Joiner, Caitlyn Clow, and Wesley Clow Jr. He was also survived and much loved by sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.

After high school, Sid enlisted in the Navy on the USS Crevalle and received a Commendation “Good Conduct Medal”. He chose not to re-enlist where he would have been assigned to the nuclear-powered attack sub, USS Thresher that went down. After his 4 years, he went to work as an electrician and plumber and went to college to become a teacher. Affectionately known as “Super Sid” to his students, Sid worked his entire teaching career at Branford High School where he also sold tickets at all home football and basketball games. A “workaholic”, Sid was also a Master Clock Smith, owning Ye Olde Clock Shoppe in Guilford and repairing clocks up until recently. After retiring from teaching, Sid continued to work on clocks and as maintenance for International Realty Group (IRG). Sid was also instrumental in starting the first Earth Day in Connecticut, and helping to organize and start recycling centers in several towns. He was an avid gardener and beekeeper, sharing the love of both with many people.

Sid loved animals and kept creatures in his classroom in which he loved to surprise unsuspecting visitors by having them perched on his shoulder. He rescued abandoned or injured animals and brought them home to live. Because of this, people throughout the area would bring critters of all kinds to Sid. He even rescued a dog whom then became the family dog.

Sid was adored by his students and was a friend to many people. He and Nancy would host the retired teacher picnic at their home for many years, including this past summer. And in 2016, Sid was inducted into the Branford Teaching Hall of Fame. A “Jack-of-all-Trades”, anytime anyone needed anything done, Sid was there to help or fix it.

There will be no Wake or Funeral, but rather a Celebration of Life, on February 17, 2023, which would have been his 86th birthday, at the New Haven Raccoon Club, 853 New Haven Rd, (Rt 17) Durham, CT at 5:30-8:30pm on Friday. The family welcomes all family, friends, and ex-students to attend. And they ask that you bring stories of Sid to share; funny, classroom, strange, helping, any kind of story. In Sid’s memory, if you would like to donate, we have set up a GoFundMe page in Sid’s name with the funds going to organizations that he cared about.