Frank Abbott Clifford, 72, of Shenzhen, China, died Nov. 3, 2025, of complications following a stroke in 2024.
Frank was born April 9, 1953 in Chincoteague, Va. to Harrison and Maxine Clifford. He grew up in Yarmouth, Maine, graduating from Yarmouth High School in 1972. As a youth, he loved books, but did not embrace formal schooling. Frank enjoyed neighborhood sports and played on the Rebels, Yarmouth’s independent football team. He was an accomplished hockey goalie in a men’s league.
Frank worked as mason for many years in the Portland area. For recreation he loved to play pool, cross-country ski, travel and read — especially poetry and history.
He met Ann Britton while playing rugby in Ireland and they were married in 1981. The two had four children and later divorced.
Eventually he moved to China where he met Yanhuang (Helen) Shu. They married on April 8, 2014. Together they opened an English school in Shenzhen.
Frank is survived by his wife Helen of Shenzhen, China; sister Allyson (Lindy) Smith of Chebeague Island, and brothers Harrison, Jr. (Patti) Clifford of Green Bay, Wisc.; and Jeffrey (Dianne Fallon) Clifford of Kittery Point, Maine. He is also survived by four children, Fiona Clifford of Augusta, Maine, Colin (Shannon Salembier) Clifford of Montpelier, Vt., Keara (Don) McQuade of Williston, Fla., and Sagan (Stephen) Wilson of Garden City, NY; and six grandchildren.
A memorial service and burial will be held at a later date.