Former Bethel Park mayor dies at 90
Jack Allen, left, and Clifford Morton started their political careers together. Morton ran for mayor in Bethel Park while Allen ran for council. Morton died recently at the age of 90.
Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Former Bethel Park mayor Clifford Morton, center, with his wife, Joan, seated right, and Dr. and Mrs. Charles Oakley were close friends and attended many events together, including Bethel Bounty, a fundraising event for the Bethel Park Community Foundation.
Clifford Morton exemplified the meaning of mayor.
“If you looked up mayor in the dictionary, his picture was there,” said Bethel Park Mayor Jack Allen. “Cliff was very well-liked and a great person.”
Twenty-six years ago, Morton and Allen started their political careers together. Morton ran for mayor of Bethel Park and Allen ran for council. Both were elected.
Morton served for 16 years. Allen eventually succeeded him 10 years ago.
On Sept. 28, 2023, Allen and the municipality lost their trusted friend as Morton passed away at the age of 90 in the Artis Memory Care Facility.
Born Sept. 23, 1933, to Jay Sidney and Irene Stover, Morton grew up in farm country in northern Pennsylvania. He attended Spartanburg High School.
During his freshman year at Allegheny College, Morton met his future wife, Joan Mitchell. The couple were married for 67 years and had two athletic sons: Mitchell Jay and Shawn Alan, both of whom were standouts at Bethel Park High School.
“He always enjoyed playing, watching and coaching his sons in many sports, particularly baseball and football.”
In addition to his wife and sons, Morton is survived by his daughters-in-law, Karen and Kelly, as well as grandchildren, Jarrett Morton, Alayna (Cameron) Carver, Tanner Morton, Sarah (Michael) Maynard, Anna Morton, Matthew Turner, and Justin Turner (Melissa). He had 12 great-grandchildren.
A devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, Morton often spent weekends at Lake Seneca, Ohio, enjoying camping, boating, water skiing, fishing and golf.
“If anyone needed anything, he was always there for them,” Allen added.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, are sisters, Willa Morton and Carol (William) Phillips, and an infant granddaughter, Brittany Morton. Surviving are a brother, William (Connie) Morton, and a sister, Linda (Phillip) Cotter.
After serving three years in the Marine Corps, Morton went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Washington & Jefferson College. He later earned a master’s from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Morton was a member of the Ruthfred Lutheran Church in Bethel Park. He served as a trustee and participated in the men’s Bible study called “Journey through the Word.”
Elected mayor of Bethel Park in 1998, he served the municipality for 16 years and implemented new programs and made many improvements. In addition to beautification projects, Boys Scouts and volunteer efforts, Morton organized a holiday lighting display contest in which a winner from each ward was recognized as well as a decorative banner program.
The most popular program Morton established was the 90-Plus Club. It recognized senior citizens reaching that milestone birthday at an annual luncheon.
Prior to his mayoral position, he served seven months working as a seaman on the Great Lakes. For five years, he taught English in the Bethel Park School District. He was employed as a sales service supervisor at U.S. Steel for 18 years.
For 10 years, he owned Wood Whims. The custom-made wood shop enabled him to pursue his passion for woodworking, a craft he passed on to his sons.
Morton also was employed as a driver and greeter at Paul Henney Funeral Home.
Part of the Allegheny County, and Pennsylvania State Mayor Association, Morton once served a six-year team on the Bethel Park School Board. Within the municipality, he also was a member of the Historical Society; Elks Club, and American Legion. He was a former member of the Lion’s Club and Gideons.
After visitation at the Paul Henney Cremation and Funeral Home and a service at Ruthfred Lutheran Church, Morton was buried at Jefferson Memorial Park.
Donations in Morton’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Center Pittsburgh — UPMC Montefiore, online at adrc.pitt.edu or Ruthfred Church Benevolence Fund at 3401 South Park Road, Bethel Park, Pa., 15102.