Brian Francis Clougher

Brian Francis Clougher, age 64, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 11, 2023, after an unwavering battle with lung cancer and a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Linda (Powers) and the most selfless father to Brianna, Meghan, and Brendan. He was born in Boston, MA on August 5, 1958, the middle of 5 children of the late Thomas and Eileen (Broderick) Clougher.

Brian entered the United States Navy after graduating from Catholic Memorial High School in 1976. He trained and served as a Naval Aircrewman as an Aviation Warfare Systems Operator aboard P-3 Orion Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft. During his 21-year career, Chief Petty Officer Clougher flew thousands of hours hunting and tracking Russian submarines during the Cold War. He was assigned to multiple air stations including NAS South Weymouth twice and operated every version of the P-3 Orion aircraft. His love of the Navy and superior technical knowledge combined with his drive to take care of his people set the standard others hoped to achieve. Chief Petty Officer Clougher exemplified the old adage "ask the Chief!”.

After retiring from the Navy aboard the USS Constitution in Boston, Brian joined the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) in Newport, RI. As a member of the Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) Branch for 23 years, he worked to test, evaluate, and improve the electrical performance of critical electronic systems onboard US Navy submarines. Additionally, Brian served as the primary fleet liaison for all fleet support efforts pertaining to submarine electromagnetic environmental effects. Through his hard work and dedication, Brian built an impeccable reputation across the submarine force and was highly regarded as an electromagnetic interference technician capable of solving complex issues affecting the fleet. Brian’s wealth of knowledge and extensive contacts throughout the US Submarine Force will be greatly missed by his teammates at NUWC.

Brian deeply and fiercely loved his family, his friends, and his work. He was immensely proud of his children and loved teaching and sharing with them his wisdom. He always did things the right way and cared for all those in his life first and foremost before himself. He often withheld his illness from others so that no one went out of their way for him. He never wanted anyone feeling sorry for him or feeling sad about his situation.  He loved to laugh, especially when telling old stories from his adventures in the Navy or his Brighton days.  He had a particularly “Brian” way of delivering his thoughts and feelings and never turned down an opportunity for a subtle bow shot or jab. He was a true friend and mentor to all those he came across and will be terribly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife Linda of 37 years, daughter Brianna and her husband Rick of Lakeville, daughter Meghan of New Bedford, and son Brendan of Acushnet. He is also survived by his brother Kevin and wife Karin of Waltham, MA, sister Linda and her husband Dan of Monroe, CT, sister Rosie of Brighton, brother Tom and his wife Wendy of Nesbit, MS, along with many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Visiting Hours for Brian will be held on Sunday, July 16, from 2:00-6:00pm at the Dahlborg-MacNevin Funeral Home, 280 Bedford Street, Lakeville, MA. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 17, at 11:00am at St. John Neumann Church, 157 Middleboro Road, East Freetown, MA, at 11:00am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Brian will be laid to rest with military honors at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA following the funeral mass at 1:15pm.

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