Obituaries
Obituary: Douglas Boyer Clewell, 85, Of Ridgefield
Doug was an active member of Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, serving for many years in many church activities.
Information Courtesy Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home
RIDGEFIELD, CT — Douglas Boyer Clewell, 85, of Ridgefield, died peacefully on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022. He was the loving husband of Grace Clewell for 62 years. The son of the late William and Pauline Clewell, Doug was born on March 6, 1936 in Wilkes-Barre and was raised in Trucksville, PA. He attended Pennsylvania schools and upon graduation, joined the Air Force. While on duty in Niagara Falls he met Grace. They were married the following year.
Doug served in the Air Force for eight years, serving in the US, Korea and Thailand. He then began a long career in the printing and advertising industry with Pollack Printing in Buffalo. He was transferred to NYC. After visiting Ridgefield, they fell in love with the town and have lived here for 50 years.
After retirement, he became very active in the community he loved. For almost 30 years, he was a dedicated member of the American Legion Post 78. He proudly served as a Military Honor Guard covering Fairfield County. Doug enjoyed cooking at Legion functions and was instrumental in making extensive repairs to the Legion Hall that was built in 1761. He and Fred Whipple worked together to repair anything and everything. He also served as the Legion’s Finance Officer.
Doug was an active member of Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, serving for many years as an usher and participating in many church activities. He especially enjoyed breakfast with the Older Than Dirt Gang. Within the community, Doug was a member and former chairman of the town Graveyard Committee and a member of the Ridgefield Men’s Club.
Doug was also a master woodworker as well as an excellent cook. He was known for his pulled pork served at the Yankee Peddler Fair and Legion functions. As many people can attest, he was also an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills, NY Mets and the UConn Women's Basketball team.
Doug is also survived by his sister, Jeanne Ford of Waynesboro, VA; his nephew, Corey Ford, his wife Sally, and their two children, Chad, his wife Cassandra and Tia of Albuquerque, NM; and his niece, Karen Hawbaker, her husband Dennis and their two daughters, Kirsten Hawbaker, her husband Tyler Skeens and Erin and her husband Kyle Vance of Kingsport, TN. In addition to his parents, Doug was predeceased by brothers-in-law, Charles Ford and Joseph DiGregorio and his wife Anita. Doug is also survived by numerous friends who will miss him dearly.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, 207 Main Street, Ridgefield. There will be no calling hours and interment will take place privately.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post 78, 71 N. Salem Rd., Ridgefield, CT 06877 or Jesse Lee Church, 207 Main St., Ridgefield, CT, 06877.
