Obituary of Clifford Stanley Rettig

Community leader and retired salesman, Clifford Stanley Rettig, 98, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2023, surrounded by family. He was predeceased by his wife Patricia, eldest son Curt and grandson Brett. A kind and generous man, Cliff always put others before himself. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a community leader, successful businessman, and volunteer. Cliff leaves behind a legacy of compassion, overcoming adversity, disciplined work ethic, laughter, camaraderie, lifelong learning, incomparable manners, and sharing and sparking joy in others. Cliff was born and raised in Yonkers, New York during the Great Depression. Cliff attended Pasadena Junior College and the University of Southern California where he played baseball (later semi-professionally), became president of his class, and was drafted by the Boston Red Sox as a pitcher. Prior to college, Cliff served in the Navy in World War II. He was stationed in the South Pacific on a torpedo destroyer and participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. After the war, Cliff married his life partner Patricia Joan Rettig. Cliff maintained that the secret to his successful marriage was laughter and honesty. Together for over 59 joyous years of marriage they had four children, six grandchildren, and Cliff lived to meet two great-grandchildren. A salesman for over 40 years, Cliff spent the last 25 years of his career in the book division of Sunset Publishing, where he eventually became Vice President. He was also a successful fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a member of the Elks club, and served as the President of the Seascape GC men's club in 1969 and 1986. Cliff also coached Little League for over 15 years and helped build a Little League field in Los Altos, CA. Cliff moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, in 1991, where he lived for 26 years and continued enriching the community through philanthropy and goodwill to others. In addition, Cliff was active in the local bridge community attaining Life Master status with his wife Patricia at his side. He moved back to Aptos in 2017 to be near his children and grandchildren. Cliff is survived by his children Paula, Bruce, and Scott, his grandchildren Brian, Andrew, Troy, Craig and Grace Ann, and his great-grandchildren Paloma and Goldie. Cliff was a loving, caring, and spiritual man who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He inspired and encouraged everyone he encountered. Clifford Rettig was a true gentleman and positively impacted the lives of so many. A celebration of Cliff's life will be held at the Seascape Golf Course in Aptos on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at 11:30am. In lieu of flowers, the Rettig family requests that donations be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.