John R. Clough, 82, of Pembroke, formerly of Harwich, Marshfield and Rockland, died suddenly on February 17, 2012. He was raised and educated in Rockland where he spent the first 46 years of his life. It was in Rockland that he met the love of his life, the late Jane (Raymond) Clough when she would come down from Wollaston to visit her grandparents. It was also in Rockland that he was introduced to the retail hardware business. He worked at Rome Brothers Hardware store for 39 years, starting as a part time clerk and rising to become the store manager. Later, he owned his own hardware store, Better Homes Hardware, in South Weymouth. Known to all his customers as “Dick” Clough, he was renowned for his accurate advice to homeowners and professionals alike. He retired from the retail hardware business at age 70. John was a Call Firefighter for the Rockland Fire Department for 23 years. He served in the Massachusetts National Guard. Love of the sea and boating was John’s passion. He was Past Commodore (twice) and a Life Member of the Marshfield Yacht Club. He was Past Commander of the Old Colony Power Squadron where he had been a member for 56 years. He had also been a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary since 1973. He had served as Flotilla Commander and in various other leadership positions. The theme running through all these groups was his desire to educate the public about safe boating, thus saving lives. He received many awards for his service with these organizations. Later in life John become interested in his family history and genealogy. He joined and later served as Vice President, President, Treasurer and Librarian of the John Clough Genealogical Society. John and Jane had four children, Paula Clough of Pembroke, John and his wife Margaret of Whitman, the late Linda Meehan of Chicopee and David Clough of Pembroke. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren; Heather Clough, Eric Clough and Nicole Clough of Whitman and Theresa Lavoie and her husband Joseph of Springfield, Veronica Meehan of Belchertown and Kathleen Meehan of Plainville. He also cherished his 5 great-grandchildren; Travis, Kenley, Ava, Connor and Abigail.
Visiting hours will be at the MacDonald Funeral Home, 1755 Ocean Street, Marshfield, MA on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00pm.
The funeral mass will be celebrated at Saint Mary of the Sacred Heart Church, 392 Hanover Street, Hanover, MA on Thursday Feb 23, 2012 at 10:00am.
Interment will be in the Holy Family Cemetery in Rockland. If friends and family desire, contributions to the charity of their choice may be made in John’s memory.