CLUFF, JR., DANIEL WEBSTER

CLUFF, JR., DANIEL WEBSTER Captain Daniel Webster Cluff Jr, known affectionately as Danny to his friends and family, crossed the bar peacefully on February 20, 2024, in Cape May, NJ, at the age of 82 in his home surrounded by loved ones and family. Born on June 14, 1941, in Chincoteague, VA, Danny was a man whose life was as full and robust as the ships he expertly navigated through the waters of the Delaware Bay and River. Danny leaves behind a loving family, including his devoted wife of 65 years, Dolores Cluff (nee Fernandez), and his children: Daniel and Mary (nee Abadie) Cluff, David and Sandy (nee Boyt) Cluff, Dennis and Pam (nee Harvey) Cluff, and Deanna (nee Cluff) and Jack Bosna. He was a proud grandfather to Kenny, Katie, Krissy, Danny, Cody, Kylie, Kayla, Kassidy, Dennis, Delaney, Bobby, and Branden, and a loving great-grandfather to 16 great-grandchildren. Danny was predeceased by his parents, Daniel and Dixie (nee Sharpley) Cluff, his brother Steven Cluff, and his great grandchild Daniel Webster Cluff V. He is also survived by his brother Thomas Cluff, sister-in-law Patti, sister-in-law Lynn (nee Smith) Cluff, and beloved labrador retriever Tucker. A proud graduate of Cape May High School, Class of 1959, Danny was a four-letter varsity athlete, excelling in football, basketball, baseball, and track & field. His passion for sports was highlighted by his participation in the 1958 All South Jersey Basketball Championship and being a member of the 1957-1958 Cape May High School Basketball Team, which was inducted into the Lower Cape Regional Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017. Following high school, Danny completed a four-year apprentice training program in 1966 for the Pilot's Association for the Bay and River Delaware. This marked the beginning of a distinguished 45-year career as a pilot, during which he was entrusted with the safe passage of countless vessels. Danny took great pleasure in passing his knowledge onto future pilots and his expertise and dedication to his profession were unparalleled. Danny's commitment to his community was evident through his roles as a co-founder and president of the Lower Township Optimist Club. He was instrumental in the foundation of the Lower Township Recreation Center along with former mayor Jack Sparks in the early 70's. His civic engagement extended to coaching youth recreational sports where he found great success leading the mighty, mighty Vikings to multiple championships. He was an active participant in the Brotherhood of the Free Masons and local politics and government. He operated throughout his life his gifts of administration, leadership, and teaching. An outdoorsman at heart, Danny's interests included hunting, fishing, nature conservation, sporting clay shooting, and dog training. Alongside lifelong friend of 60 years Doug Stanford, Danny was co-founder of the Birds of a Feather Goose Club in Kennedyville, MD where he served as president for many years and shared his passion with friends and family, passing his love of waterfowl hunting down to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Danny was an active member on the board of the National Sporting Clay Association. His natural talent and developed skill has earned him multiple state, national, and international titles in sporting clay competition. He was also an avid collector of decoys. Selfless, optimistic, and wise, Danny lived by the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." His life was a testament to this philosophy, as he touched the lives of many, making their journeys brighter and their burdens lighter. As we celebrate the life of Captain Daniel Webster Cluff Jr, let us remember the lessons he taught through his actions and the love he shared so freely. His was a life well-lived, a course well-navigated, and a legacy that will continue to inspire. Danny's memory will forever be a lighthouse for those navigating the sometimes tumultuous seas of life, reminding us that with optimism and wisdom, we can weather any storm and emerge with grace and strength. "Keep her between the anchors." Danny's viewing will take place on Friday (March 1st) from 9:30am until 11:30am in Tabernacle United Methodist Church, 702 Seashore Rd., Cape May (Lower Twp.) where his celebration of life ceremony will follow and begin at 12 noon. Interment will be private and at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Wounded Warrior, online at https://1support.woundedwarrior project.org/