Burton V. Gifford, Sr., 87, of West Haven, entered eternal rest on March 12, 2018. He was the widower of Winifred C. Gifford.

Burton was a longtime parishioner of St. Martin de Porres Church.

Prior to retiring, he served as a Police Officer for 20 years with the New Haven Police Department, rising to the rank of Deputy Chief Inspector. He later gained employment at Yale University as a Security Officer.

Mr. Gifford leaves to cherish loving memories, daughters, Patricia Jones (Mack), Regina Estelle, Arlene Gifford-Forbes (Wesley) and Crystal Gifford-Jackson (Renard); sons, Mendel Gifford and Burton V. Gifford, Jr. (Kim); nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by two brothers; two sisters; and a grandson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 9:30 AM in St. Martin de Porres Church, 136 Dixwell Ave., New Haven. Viewing will be held at the church from 8:00-9:30 AM. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Dr., Wallingford, CT 06492.