Clifford Wayne Sterner

Clifford Wayne Sterner, age 89 of Port St. Joe, Florida, a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather, peacefully went to be with our Lord on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Panama City, Florida. Born on October 4, 1935, he grew up in Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania and lived most of his life in Rostraver Township, Pennsylvania before moving to Gulf County two years ago. Clifford lived a life marked by commitment to family, career, and a rich array of personal interests that brought joy to his years. He was known for his warm smile, often with a twinkle in his eye, great sense of humor, and being able to connect with anyone. He was a kind, gentle, and generous man. Those who knew him well may remember him peeking around a corner, saying, “Somebody, somebody stop me”.

Clifford spent an impressive 43 years contributing to the Westinghouse Atomic Power Laboratory, where he put his skills and knowledge to use before retiring to pursue the passions that enriched his life. He maintained great relationships with his valued co-workers well past his retirement in 2001.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Clifford served his country honorably for four years in the United States Navy, where he was assigned to the USS Coolbaugh (DE-217). This period of service reflected his dedication, not only to his family, but also to his country.

Outside of his career and military service, Clifford was a man of many interests and hobbies. He found solace and excitement in fishing—both traditional and fly fishing—and cherished moments spent on the water. Other interests included canoeing, hunting, woodworking, photography, and archery, each of which allowed him to express his creativity and connect with nature.

Clifford’s proudest accomplishments were undoubtedly his family and the time he spent with his loving wife of 66 years, Lorretta Palfrey Sterner of Port St. Joe, Florida. He is also survived by his daughter, Beth Sterner Colla, and her husband, Michael V. Colla, M.D., of Port St. Joe, Florida; and his son, Brian Alan Sterner, and his wife, Karen L. Sterner, of Sarver, Pennsylvania. He delighted in the company of his four grandchildren: Jessica Taryn Colla of Seattle, Washington; Logan Alexander Colla and his wife Rachel of Madison, Wisconsin; Michael Kenneth Sterner of Delaware, Ohio; and Daniel Joseph Sterner of Franklin, Pennsylvania. Each of these relationships brought him immense joy and fulfillment.

Clifford is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Casper Sterner and Amy Hammitt Sterner, and his brother Melvin Sterner. His legacy will live on through the values he instilled in his family, his dedication to his work, providing for his family, and the memories created during his years spent in the company of those he loved.

If you are so moved, memorial contributions may be given to ….

• Clifford Chester Sims Veterans Nursing Home in Panama City, Florida.

4419 Tram Road, Panama City, Fl 32404

Attention: Jennifer Reyes /admin. In memory of Clifford W Sterner.

• Two Fish Food Market, a food ministry of the First United Methodist Church in Port St. Joe, Florida https://subsplash.com/u/portsaintjoeumc/give?frequency=once&next_process_date=04/10/2025&fund_id=4a91ed53-c2ee-406a-b26f-392ca8e0a0db

• Donations to the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association for a personal memorial naming of a reef - https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/mbaramemorialreef

Arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, Florida