Obituary: Clifford E. Erwin

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.

Clifford E. Erwin

Clifford E. Erwin, age 86, of Shorewood, passed away Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center.

Born March 26, 1937 in Downing, MO, he was the son of the late Boyd and Lunette (Riley) Erwin. He married the love of his life, the former Shirley L. Ritof, and they enjoyed 57 years of marriage until her passing November 15, 2013. One sister, Nancy (Charles) Morrow also preceded him in death.

Cliff enjoyed a long and rewarding career with the Joliet Police Department serving 26 years from 1960 to 1986, and attaining the rank of Sergeant of Detectives. He was extremely proud to be named Policeman of the Year in 1964. Cliff also applied his leadership skills in various capacities and was instrumental in the establishment of Crime Stoppers and the Joliet Police Athletic League.

His story includes more than his career accomplishments and the landmarks of his life. A man of faith, he enjoyed his memberships in Holy Family Catholic Church in Shorewood and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Minooka throughout his adult life. He relished entertaining family and friends for the annual Shorewood Parade, and will be fondly remembered by the friends he made at the Joliet Moose Lodge as well as the Elks Lodge of Joliet, where his skills at playing euchre continue to be missed. Cliff also generously invested in the youth of the community by coaching the Rivals and Belmont Little League, and Ingalls Park Pony League teams. Last but not least, time spent fishing and playing cards was considered time well spent.

Deeply influenced by the loving care provided his wife during her final illness, he embarked on a new mission after her passing, serving as a volunteer with Joliet Area Community Hospice, where he and his service dog, Snuggles, made many special bonds with people in their grief journeys.

Cliff is survived by his two devoted sons and daughters-in-law, Rick and Leslee Erwin of Romeoville, and Ron and Jana Erwin of Channahon; his loving grandchildren, Brad (Cara) Erwin, Matt (Lauren) Erwin, Breann (Nathan) Schmid, Jill (Jeff) Thorson, and Elizabeth (fiancé Caleb Anderson) Story; dear step-grandchildren, Ginelle (Derek) Wyss and Jon Mitchell; his great-grandchildren, Avery and Evan Erwin, Alexandra and Everett Erwin, Madison and Nolan Schmid, Gus Thorson, Spencer Story, and Emily and Leah Wyss; and his very special friend, Nickie Levins.

Visitation for Clifford Erwin will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 10:00 a.m., until the time of his Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., at Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 Brook Forest Avenue, Shorewood. Interment will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Lightways Hospice (www.lightways.org) would be appreciated.

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com

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