MERRIMAC, MA: Clifford W. Handerson, 81, of East Main Street, and formerly of Ayer Village in Haverhill, died Wednesday, December 5, 2001, at Harborside Healthcare in Amesbury. Mr. Handerson was the husband of Marjorie L. (Cobb) Handerson.

Born in Haverhill on May 23, 1920, Mr. Handerson was the son of the late Walter F. and Vera B. (Osgood) Handerson.

Mr. Handerson attended Haverhill High School. He had been employed in the Alarm Room while a member of the Haverhill Fire Department, and had worked as a volunteer at the Ayers Village Fire Station before moving to Merrimac in the early 1950'. Once there he served as a volunteer on the Merrimac Fire Department. Mr. Handerson was employed for 42 years as a machinist for the Engle & Lewis Counter Co. of Merrimac, and then, after the company was sold, for Wolverine Corp. where he worked an additional ten years. Mr. Handerson enjoyed woodworking and had made several pieces of furniture for his home. During WW11 he served with the U.S. Army Air Corp, and was stationed at Frederick Air Field in Oklahoma. He was discharged in 1945 with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Besides his wife of 58 years Mr. Handerson is survived by his sons; Robert W. Handerson and his wife Gretchen, Merrimac, James D. Handerson, Romulus, M;, one grandson, Brett Handerson, and step-brother, Ralph Daniels, Jr., Laconia, NH.

Relatives and friends are invited to the funeral Saturday, 11:00 a.m., at Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main Street, Haverhill. Burial at Hillside Cemetery. Calling hours will precede the funeral from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Merrimac Fire Sept., 16 East Main Street, Merrimac, MA 01860.