George J. Clough, Jr., of St. Louis, Missouri, past national president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) and longtime steward of the Hibernians’ relationship with the University of Notre Dame, died on February 11, 2024. He was 91 years old.
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Clough served in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel. After receiving his B.A. from Brooklyn College and J.D. from St. John’s University, he pursued a civilian career as a corporate attorney.
A member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians for 50 years, he was known for his servant leadership in the organization both locally in St. Louis and nationally. He served in many roles on the national board of the AOH, including two terms as national president (1990–1994). During the 1980s and 1990s, he oversaw a sustained fundraising effort for the Hibernians’ two endowments at Notre Dame, which still today support Irish American studies through the Cushwa Center as well as undergraduate financial aid scholarships for the children of Hibernians. The Cushwa Center’s founding director, Jay P. Dolan, regarded Clough as not only a loyal supporter but also a dear friend.
Clough’s wife, Shirley Ann, preceded him in death in December 2022. He is survived by his sister, two children, a grandson, great granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews.
This memorial appears in the fall 2024 issue of the Cushwa Center’s American Catholic Studies Newsletter.