Clifford A. Perreira

Clifford A. Perreira

September 4, 1936     February 17, 2024

Clifford Anthony Perreira, a beloved husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather, peacefully passed away on February 17, 2024, surrounded by family at Guardian Angels in Hibbing, Minnesota. He was born on September 4, 1937, in Honolulu, Hawai’i. Clifford grew up in Honolulu, graduating from Roosevelt High School. He worked for Hawaiian Dredging and spent 18 months on the Midway Islands and 10 years in Honolulu. Clifford, a veteran, served three years in the army stationed at Schofield Barracks in Honolulu. He was also a proud member of the Army Reserves as the mess sergeant at the Hibbing Armory. Clifford was known for driving a tank down Howard Street in the annual 4th of July parade.

Clifford became pen pals with Marybeth Valeri from Hibbing, MN, in 1961. When Marybeth flew out to Hawai’i to meet him, she fell in love with Cliff and his homeland. They got married on September 4, 1966, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. After their first child was born, Clifford and Marybeth relocated to Hibbing,

Minnesota, to raise their children surrounded by family. He was affectionately. known as Pineapple by his Minnesota friends and coworkers, often seen wearing Hawaiian shirts, Bermuda shorts, and flip-flops around town long before it was fashionable.

Clifford was employed for 30 years at Industrial Rubber/Irathane before retiring, but he never stopped working. Cliff was a master at finding woodworking jobs and projects to do around the house. He loved to work with his hands, designing, building, and repairing. Clifford spent many years as a dedicated foster parent, influencing the lives of dozens of young children and at-risk teenagers. At the age of 64, Clifford fulfilled a lifelong dream of skydiving. After his first jump, he was hooked, completing over 20 more skydives, both tandem and assisted jumps. At the age of 71, he received a cherished gift from his wife, and Clifford’s. final skydive was over his home state of Hawai’i. Fly high, Pineapple. Fly high.

Clifford is survived by his wife, Marybeth Perreira of Hibbing, Minnesota. biological and stepchildren Alicia (Mike) MacKenzie of Superior, WI, Amy (Pete)Johnson of Delano, MN; Anthony (Michelle) Perreira of Boise, ID, Andrew (Jessica) Perreira of Rosemount, MN; Maria (Corey) Brookins of Stevens Point, WI, Missy (Gary) Corradi, Pete (Kelli) Wohlers, grandchildren Cameron and Haley Stewart, Brianna and Michael MacKenzie, Paige and Andrew Perreira, Noah and Joshua Perreira, and Silas, Levi, Keenan, and Judah Brookins and great-grandson Arthur Andrew Tiede.

 A family celebration of life will be held at a later date to honor and remember.

Clifford’s legacy.  Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.