Clifton Roy Melhado

Clifton Roy Melhado, age 79, of Ocala, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home on May 29, 2022. He was born on June 1, 1942, to Iris Roberts and Ivanho Melhado in Kingston, Jamaica, and was the youngest of four children. He graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in Queens, New York. Clifton married Janet Barnes on June 7, 1961, in Queens, New York. He was blessed with four children: Clifton Jr., Diane, Derrick, and Erik. Driven by his love for helping people, Clifton became a mental health caregiver at Pilgrim State Hospital, where he worked for 20 years and retired. In the 1970s, he became a member of the Freemasonry organization, and through his fundraising efforts, the organization was able to offer short-term financial assistance to members experiencing financial problems, provide insurance for widows of deceased members, made substantial contributions to the United Negro College Fund, the Legal Defense Fund of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and sponsor scholarship programs for black students. Clifton met Cynthia May Morgan and the two were married on March 19, 1996. In June 2002, he decided to retire, and they moved from New York to Ocala, Florida. After moving to Ocala, Clifton became a member of Marion Oaks SDA Church. Clifton enjoyed watching sports, especially New York teams such as the Yankees, Mets, Knicks, and Giants. He also enjoyed traveling to Jamaica with Cynthia. But most of all, he enjoyed helping people, providing financial support, sharing life lessons, and offering encouraging and supportive words to lift them up. On May 29, 2022, Clifton was called to be with his Lord and Savior and joined his son, Erik, brothers Donald and Noel, Mother Iris, and Father Ivanho. His loved ones left to cherish and honor his memory include wife, Cynthia, sons Clifton and Derrick, daughter Diane, grandchildren Shonta, Kevin, Anthony, Ashley, Alex, Clifton III, Kaya, and Johnathan, as well as his sisters, Barbara, Pearl, Eufemia, and Olive, and brothers Paul and Dave. He will truly be missed. Clifton's viewing and service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Marion Oaks SDA Church; 3201 SW 143rd Place Road, Ocala, Florida 34472. He will be laid to rest at Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens; 5050 SW 20th Street, Ocala, Florida 34473. A reception will follow at Marion Oaks Assembly of God; 13977 SW 32nd Terrace Road, Ocala, Florida 34473.

Clifton Roy Melhado

June 1, 1942 - May 29, 2022