James L. Clifford.

WORCESTER - James L. Clifford, 83, formerly of Shrewsbury, died Aug. 2, at the University Commons Nursing Care Center. He had been a resident of Shrewsbury since 1952.

He was born May 7, 1925, in Worcester, the only child of James L. Clifford and Mary (Connolly) Clifford. He was predeceased by his father and mother in 1931 and 1934, respectively. Thereafter, he was raised in Worcester by his maternal aunt and uncle, Agnes M. Connolly and George V. Connolly.

He graduated from Classical High School. Having resided on Howland Terrace for many years, he was nicknamed the "mayor" of Newton Square in his youth. He graduated from the College of the Holy Cross College in 1947 and Boston University School of Law in 1949. He was faithful to Holy Cross College with more than 50 years of service and he was appointed a member of the Order of the Purple Knights. He was also a member of the Worcester Diners Club and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 1985.

He was an attorney and trial lawyer in Worcester for 48 years. For many years, he was associated with Clifford, O'Connor, Hanlon & McCarthy. He was a past member of the Worcester County Bar Association, Mass. Bar Association and the Mass. Academy of Trial Attorneys. He was also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. His law practice included appearances in every state court in the Commonwealth from the District Courts to the Supreme Judicial Court. For many years, he was appointed to murder assignments in the Worcester Courts through the Committee for Public Counsel Services.

He leaves two sons, James L. Clifford of Worcester and Peter B. Clifford and his wife, Susan M. Meyer, of Oakham, and three grandchildren. Generous to a fault in life, James dedicated his body for future physicians and sick people to the Anatomical Gift Program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School for studies to be performed.

A celebration of his life and faith was held on Sept. 13, at the Abbey Church, Spencer Trappist Monastery, in Spencer. Donations can be made in the name of James L. Clifford to the Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606.