Joe — "Jody" to those who knew him longest — was born in Enid, Oklahoma, on February 5, 1930, to Joseph Bartholomew Gifford and Lydia Byrtle (Eisberg) Gifford. And for Emily, Joe was the most kind, generous, humble and faithful man she ever knew. To Joe, family was paramount. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Carol Jane (Gifford) Pellegrino. He is survived by his wife of fifty-three wonderful years, Emily Gifford; his children Mary Susan Locker (Karl), Mary Sarah Robb (Mike Newman), Daniel O'Shea Gifford (Christy), Charles Peter Gifford (Liz), Joseph O'Shea Gifford (Rachael), Taylor Kathleen McCarty (Darren), Marissa Suzanne Smith (David), and Sarah Elizabeth Beaufait (Sam); twenty-five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.