Former APWU President Clifford “Cliff” Guffey passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the age of 76.
Guffey served as National President of the American Postal Workers, AFL-CIO from 2010-2013, overwhelmingly elected with 69 percent of the votes in a three-way race.
Prior to his presidency, Guffey served as APWU Executive Vice President for nine years, from 2001-2010, working alongside President William Burrus. He was Director of the union’s Clerk Division from 1999 to 2001, and Assistant Director of the Clerk Division from 1986 to 1999.
Throughout his postal career, Guffey fought relentlessly for job security for postal workers. He began in 1971 as a Letter Carrier in Oklahoma City and transferred to Clerk Craft in 1972. In 1979, Guffey became president of the Oklahoma City Area Local APWU where he served two terms before running for national office.
Helping working families provide for their loved ones with dignity and pride was deeply important to him. One of his greatest challenges was walking alongside the survivors and families affected by the Edmond Post Office tragedy.
He testified on behalf of postal workers, in both the U.S. House and Senate, against the congressionally manufactured financial crisis caused by the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006. He campaigned against post office closures, cuts in service standards, and plant consolidations. He was a tireless voice for veterans’ rights.
Cliff Guffey was born on September 29, 1949 in Shawnee, OK. As the son of a career pilot in the United States Navy who was stationed around the world, he grew up in locations including Hawaii, California, Alabama, and Naples, Italy before graduating from high school in 1967. Prior to his work in the Postal Service, he served in the United States Marine Corps from 1968 to 1970 as a rifleman in the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam.
“The APWU is greatly saddened by the death of Brother Guffey,” said APWU President Jonathan Smith. “His commitment to postal workers will not be forgotten. His family is in our prayers.”
Guffey is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years Donna Guffey, two daughters Carrie and Cissie, four grandsons, his sister, and many special nephews and nieces.
View Cliff Guffey’s detailed obituary and send condolences here.
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