AUGUSTA — Fred Nelson Clough, Jr., 79, known to most as ‘Sonnie’ passed in the early hours of Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Augusta.

Born December 28, 1946, in Rockland, he was the son of Fred Nelson, Sr. and Sara Syrjala Clough. At a young age Fred found a love for sports. He greatly enjoyed watching and playing baseball, football, basketball, and golf throughout his youth. He was a graduate of Rockland High School’s class of 1964. During high school, Fred was drafted into the United States Army. Shortly after graduation he was sent to Fort Benning for basic training before being transferred to An Khe, Vietnam. There, Fred was assigned to the First Air Calvary as crew chief and helicopter mechanic. During his tour, he was involved in a helicopter crash sending him home to recover state side. Shortly, after recovering he returned to Vietnam to finish his tour, being honorably discharged in February of 1968. Upon his return, Fred married the love of his life, Florence Rytky, on July 6, 1968. Together they welcomed three children, a daughter and two sons.

A forever local, Fred and his family lived and worked throughout the mid coast. He took pride in his job as a guard at the Maine State Prison where he ran the ‘farm’ in Warren and worked with the K-9 unit. An animal lover at heart, this was the perfect match. Among other things, Fred enjoyed working odd jobs from auto parts to construction as well as small engine repair.

Fred was fixture in Rockland, always cruising the rotary, riding around town, and racing the Chickie stretch in his red 1967 Olds 442 in his younger years. Later in life, his could be seen in his silver Ford Ranger. Everyone knew it was him by his “1STCAV” license plate. Most mornings you could find him at the convenience store with a cup of coffee and a cigarette. Fred had his circle of places to hang out, never too far from home.

Predeceased by his parents, Fred Sr. and Sara, Fred is survived by his wife of 58 years, Florence; his three children, Jeffrey (Amy), Jason (Renee), Jennifer Grindle (Joel); his sister, Sandra Woodward (Jon); his brother, Steven (Denise); grandchildren, Emilee, Haylee, Ethan, Carter, Josh, and Jaxon; great-grandchildren, Haevyn and Hazel; as well as many nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Kenny Bickford.

Fred’s family would like to extend a special ‘Thank You’ to, Mid Coast Hospital’s ALS Team, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Bird, and all the staff at Maine Veterans’ Home, to Kim Libby for all of the help along the way, and to Andwell Palliative Care and Hospice.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, where a memorial service will be held Friday, July 10, 2026, at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Achorn Cemetery, Old County Road, Rockland. A celebration of life will be held after the service at Life Church, 336 Limerock Street, Rockland. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his name to: Maine Veterans’ Home Activity Fund, 35 Hero’s Ways, Augusta, ME 04330; Midcoast Hospital Office of Philanthropy ALS Clinic, PO Box 1521, Portland, ME 04101; or Pope Memorial Humane Society, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.

To share a memory or condolence with the Clough family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.