Obituary of Peter Clinton

Peter Clinton

April 23, 1933 - January 22, 2025

Peter Clinton, 91, of Clifton Park, NY, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 22, 2025. Born in Middlesbrough, England on April 23, 1933, Peter’s passion for soccer began in his childhood, a love that would shape much of his life.

After completing school, Peter served in the Air Force from 1951-1952, before embarking on a career as draftsman for Dorman Long steel company. This eventually led him to immigrate to the United States in 1964 to work for Gouverneur Iron Works. Peter, along with his wife Elizabeth and their one-year-old son, Adam, settled in Gouverneur, NY, before welcoming their son Scott in 1966 and relocating to Clifton Park in 1968. Their youngest son Neal arrived in 1970. Over the years, Peter worked at General Steel Fabricators in Colonie and Sweet Associates in Schenectady, before establishing his own business, Clinton Detailing, which he ran successfully for over 30 years.  He was also a member of the Albany German American Club volunteering for Father’s Day cookouts, Octoberfest and spending many Thursday nights at the club with friends and members.

Peter’s love for soccer was a lifelong passion that went beyond just playing the game, as a coach, an administrator, and even a referee. He was a tireless advocate for youth soccer in the Capital District. In 1978, he took over the Clifton Park Recreational Soccer League (CPRSL), which grew to serve over 1,000 participants, children ages 4-17. Peter served as CPRSL director for over 40 years. He was also a founding member of the Clifton Park Soccer Club (CPSC), along with Karl Gerstenberger, Pete Sands, and Spike Walsh, and served as club president for four decades. Peter’s vision for youth soccer extended to his role as the original president of the Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL), as well as his service as the Regional Representative to the Eastern New York Soccer Association (ENYSA). He is a member of both the CDYSL and ENYSA Halls of Fame in recognition of his years of dedication and leadership. In addition, Peter was part of the inaugural class of the Shenendehowa Central School District Hall of Fame.

One of Peter’s proudest accomplishments was ensuring that every child in the CPRSL had the opportunity to play, including a rule that every child would play a minimum of 50% of the game.  He particularly enjoyed watching the Division 0 children (4-5 years) get their start playing the game he loved.  He was instrumental in the development of the Clifton Commons soccer fields and in securing a lighted field for evening games, a project he considered vital for giving all children the chance to play under the lights.  Though he had many accolades, he did not do this alone and was very thankful for all those who helped and volunteered with the CPRSC and the CPSC (too many to mention).

Peter’s devotion to his family and community remained unwavering throughout his life. He is predeceased by his parents, Wilfred and Winifred Clinton, and his sisters, Edna and Mavis. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Elizabeth, as well as his children Adam (Karen Long), Scott (Simone), and Neal (Amy). He was also a cherished grandfather to Ashley Clinton (Sydney), Danielle Kroft (Alex), Meredith Mabee (Josh), Tyler Clinton, Sarah Clinton, Ben Cerveny, Ainsley Clinton, and Mackenzie Clinton, and great-grandfather to Aleesa and Henley Kroft, and Finley and Beckham Mabee.

Peter will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the countless people whose lives he touched through his passion for soccer and his commitment to making his community a better place.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, with calling hours from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Route Nine, Clifton Park, NY 12065. A service will immediately follow at the same location.  Friends and family are invited to join in celebrating Peter’s life with a reception at the Hilton Garden Inn at 2:00 PM, 30 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York Chapter.

Please offer your on-line Condolences by using that tab on this website.