Clifford "Cliff" L. Laning, 86, died peacefully at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center on Friday July 7, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Mary Anne (Fischer) Laning with whom he shared 60 years of marriage.

Cliff was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 3, 1936, and was the son of the late Clifford and Donita (Vitale) Laning. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California in Electrical Engineering and an Electronic Engineering degree from the Navy Post Graduate School in Monterey, California.

He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, receiving the Bronze Star and Navy Commendation Medal. He spent most of his career on Destroyer Class vessels, his last ship being the DLG27 Josephus Daniels where he was the Executive Officer. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Commander and began his career in defense contracting until his retirement at the age of 77. Following retirement, he began his third career happily maintaining his gentlemen's farm and helping care for the family horses.

Cliff spent his free time writing his memoir, biking, and golfing. He was very devoted to his family, especially when he became a grandfather. He would happily attend numerous sporting events to show his support. Above all, his most cherished time was spent when his family was gathered together. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Cliff is survived by his wife, Mary Anne Laning, his three children, Joseph Laning and his wife Karen of Southboro, MA, Catherine Hawkins and her husband Robert of Thornton, CO, and Kerry Laning and her partner Dennis Regan of Hollis, NH; eight grandchildren, Matthew Laning and his wife Corey, Kelsey Laning-Mantarian and her husband Ben Mantarian, Brian Laning and his partner Cara Catinella, Owen Hawkins and his partner Stacey McMaster, Daniel Hawkins and his partner Claire Trellis, Haley Farwell, Wyatt Farwell, and Josephine Farwell; as well as his great granddaughter Andersyn Laning. He is also survived by his sister Christine Cavanaugh of Rancho Santa Fe, CA.

Relatives and friends are invited to Cliff's Funeral Mass at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 777 West Hollis St, Nashua, NH on FRIDAY, July 21st at 9:30 AM. His internment and presentation of military honors will take place at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen on FRIDAY, August 11th at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cliff's name to St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 777 West Hollis St, Nashua, NH 03062 or NH Veterans Cemetery Association, Inc., PO Box 626, Concord, NH 03302-0626. Arrangements entrusted to the care of ROCHETTE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES.