Clifford A Slate

Hampden-Clifford A Slate passed away Monday April 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Cliff (Kippy) was born in Holyoke, MA on February 2, 1946, to the late Clifford G and Lucienne R (Lauzon) Slate. Kippy grew up in Springfield, MA. After High School, Kippy entered the United States Navy in 1966, where he traveled the world and reached the rank of EM3 (E-4). After the Navy, he worked for the Springfield School System where he was happy being a Custodian for 37 years. Shortly after retiring Kippy moved to Hampden, MA. He could frequently be found at the Hampden Senior Center where he enjoyed years of playing card games and trivia. Kippy enjoyed his lottery tickets and visiting the casinos. He could not pass by any dog without stopping to pet it. But his true passion was writing poetry. You would never find him without a pad of paper and pocket protector armed with a few ink pens. He would write poems for anyone and everyone.

Kippy leaves his son Todd Slate Miller, son-in-law Bob Smith, granddaughter Brittany Orr Smith (Billy), grandson Robert Smith (Alyssa). Brothers; Robert Slate (Laurie), Paul Slate (Sheila), sisters; Eva Wiseman, Rose Slate and Gail Trudell (Donnie); Uncle Bob Slate and Aunt JoAnn Slate; three great grandchildren, several stepchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Kippy was predeceased by his daughter, Michelle Slate Miller Smith, his former wife Jeanne Cormier Slate and brother-in-law Larry Hatch.

Lombard Funeral Home 3 Bridge St. Monson, MA, has been entrusted with the arrangements. Visiting hours will be held Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. 

Burial will be Friday May 8, 2026, at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, MA. To Honor Clifford, please gather at the Hampden Town Offices located at 85 Wilbraham Road in Hampden at 1pm to form a funeral procession to the Massachusetts’s Veterans Memorial Cemetery where Military Honors will take place.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation in Cliff’s name to the Second Chance Animal Services, 111 Young Road East Brookfield, MA 01515.