Clifford F. Molloy – Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy

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Clifford Molloy, Navy Veteran

By Bill Kaufman
Courtesy of Newsday
February 4, 2004

Known for his patriotism and community spirit, Clifford F. Molloy was a familiar figure for many years at Memorial Day events in Roslyn, New York, often laying wreaths at official ceremonies.

Molloy died January 5, 2004, of “simple old age,” at the Montgomery County Geriatric & Rehabilitation Center in Upper Providence Township, Pennsylvania, according to a son, Kevin L. Molloy. He was 94.

The elder Molloy was a popular businessman in the community, operating the family-owned Molloy's Liquor Shoppe on Mineola Avenue in Roslyn Heights from 1947 until he retired in 1973. Subsequent owners retained the store's name until about 10 years ago.

After retiring, Molloy and his wife, Isabella, moved to Italy for about three years. “He imported a great deal of wines and fell in love with Italy during business trips,” his son said. They returned and settled in Monterey, California. In 1997 the couple moved to Royersford, Pennsylvania, to be near their son Kevin.

Born in Brooklyn, Molloy graduated from New York University and went on to spend a brief time on Wall Street in the financial industry. During World War II he served as a lieutenant commander in the Navy and was stationed at Floyd Bennett Airfield in Brooklyn, where he was involved in anti-submarine reconnaissance. A longtime member of the Naval Reserves, he was honorably discharged in 1954.

“He was a very patriotic person,” his son said. “He loved marching in parades wearing his uniform for ceremonies at the Duck Pond in Roslyn Park.”

Molloy belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Kiwanis Club.

Molloy's wife of 60 years died in 2002.

He is survived by three sons, Kevin of Trappe, Pennsylvania, Clifford of Glen Ridge, New Jersey, and Leonard of Shaker Heights, Ohio; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass was said January 9, 2004, at St. Eleanor Catholic Church in Collegeville, Pennsylvania.

Molloy's son said his father's wish was to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia with full military honors. Because of a long waiting list, that won't be scheduled until June 14, which happens to be his father's birthday. Molloy said his mother's remains will be reinterred with his father's.

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