Remembering Chief Magistrate Gregory F. Clifford ’80

By Managing Editor: Joshua Brown

Gregory F. Clifford, Retired Chief Magistrate of Cleveland Municipal Court and member of the CSU|LAW Hall of Fame, passed away on February 19, 2026. Greg Clifford was among the best and brightest citizens that Cleveland has produced. He was a graduate of Glenville High School and Ohio University before he graduated from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1980 and built a career in justice and community service in Cleveland. 

   He joined Cleveland Municipal Court’s magistrate’s office in 1986 and became the chief magistrate in 2001 where he served dutifully until he retired in 2023. 

   Greg Clifford was a champion of social justice and racial equity. He displayed his leadership during his time at CSU, serving as president of the Black Law Student Association and as a senator on the Cleveland State University Student Government Association. Into his career as a lawyer, Greg was always eager to give back to the next generation of black lawyers. He remained in close contact with the law school through his participation in the alumni association, he made frequent appearances at BLSA’s meetings and events, and he served as a mentor to many.  

   Greg was a leader in every organization he touched. He was a past president of CSU|Law’s Alumni Association, the Ohio Association of Magistrates, and the Norman S. Minor Bar Association. Greg was also integral to founding several organizations and opportunities such as the CSU|Law Alumni Associations’ Minority Outreach Committee and 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. 

   Greg Clifford received countless awards and recognitions for his service. Most notably, he received the Norman S. Minor Bar Association Trailblazer Award, the Franklin A. Polk Public Servants Merit Award in 2019, and the 2019 Cleveland-Marshall Alumni of the Year Award. Also in 2019, Gregory Clifford was honored as a member of the CSU|Law Hall of Fame. 

   Beyond his legal career, Greg was devoted to his family and to his Catholic faith. He was involved in several service organizations and committees at St. Aloysius and the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland. 

   Chief Magistrate Gregory F. Clifford remains a model of public service and a shining example of black excellence in Cleveland. He made this city better through his mentorship and his efforts founding and leading various service and support organizations. His memorial service was held on March 7, 2026, at St. Aloysius – St. Agatha Parish in Cleveland, and a recording of the service is available on the church’s website. He will be remembered fondly by all of the people and organizations he lifted up throughout his life.