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Clifford H. Ratcliff

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Clifford H. Ratcliff, 85 of Parkesburg, passed away on Friday, May 21, 2010 at the Neighborhood Hospice Center in West Chester. 

He was the beloved husband of Florence Bradley Ratcliff with whom he would have celebrated 12 years of marriage in June. He was also preceded in death by his first wife Jean Nitzenberger Ratcliff who died in 1993. Born in Unionville, he was the son of the late Joseph B. and Bessie Melrath Ratcliff.

Mr. Ratcliff proudly served in the US Army during WWII with the 10th Mountain Division receiving the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star Medal for valor.

Cliff was employed by the Downingtown Area School District as an 8th grade school teacher with 37 years of service. He was a member of the Parkesburg Baptist Church and the Brandywine Goddard Lodge #383 F & AM of Coatesville.

He is survived, in addition to his wife, by two children; David Ratcliff and wife Cynthia of Bristol, VA and Dawn Mutschler of Manheim, three step children; Jennifer Meredith of Reading, Nicolas Weishampel of Arlington, VA and Daniel Weishampel of Coatesville, seven grandchildren; Jeremy, Nathan and Rebecca Ratcliff, Joel Mutschler, Jayme Crowder, Michael and Haley Meredith and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by four brothers; Elmer, Joseph B. Jr. , Lester and Esteel Ratcliff and one sister Sue Weaver.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at 11:00 am from the Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main St. Parkesburg, Pa. followed by interment at the Upper Octorara Cemetery. Family and friends are also invited to attend the viewing from 10:00 am to the time of the service. Masonic Services will be conducted at 10:45 am by the Brandywine Goddard Lodge. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, 919 Walnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19107-5289.

Condolences

I am one of his nephews and have many,many fond memeories of Uncle Cliff(and his family) when I was a young man. He lived a full and blessed life. He will always be a part of my fondest memories.
Tom Ratcliff

Submitted by Tom Ratcliff on
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I am sorry to hear about Mr. Ratcliff passing. I remember him as one of my teachers at Downingtown many many years ago; I'm now 40. I don't remember all of my middle school teachers, but I do remember the ones that had a positive influence on me and made a difference. My condolences to the Ratcliff family, I'm glad to see he lived a long life and had family to enjoy it with.

Submitted by Anonymous on
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I learned from Dawne on Sunday evening that Mr. Ratcliff, "Rip" had passed. He was one of and maybe my favorite teacher in Jr. High, got me interested in studying earnestly. Because of my friendship with Dawne, I spent many wonderful hours with the Ratcliffs, at their Downingtown home, and also at the Jersey shore. I think I ate my first summer tomato and mayonaise sandwich on white Pepperidge Farm bread in their camper, delicious, and to this day, I smile and think of those times when I prepare a tomato, mayo on white treat.

I remember Mr. Ratcliff gave me wonderful support along with the fun and good times. He was a hard working man, and well respected as an educator. Go with blessings, Mr. R. Love to you and those you leave behind, our lives have been touched with your kindness, your wit, and you wisdom. God speed.

Submitted by Debbie Beam, Maine on
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David and Dawn - you were fortunate to have a Dad who was kind, gentle, and understanding. Rest in Peace, Rip -

Submitted by Helen Mae (Tenn... on
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Mr. Ratcliff was one of my teachers at Downingtown and I remember him vividly. I was in the Class of '73. Mr. Ratcliff was also instrumental in my experiences with the Boy Scouts via Troop 23 in Downingtown. I enjoyed, and benefitted, from his scholarly teachings as well as his life lessons both at D'Town and through the Scouting experience.

Submitted by Jim "Jumbo" Long on
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   Florence, 12 years since his passing is too long for a message like this, but oh my I’m so sorry about Cliff.  I was looking at the painting you did for me and Tammy for our wedding, so I checked the obituaries and found Clifford.           I remember how much fun we had at Kitchen Kettle hollering and laughing and just enjoying each other.  I remember how special Clifford Ratcliff was to you too.  I hope you are well, I miss you and do think of you often.  Best wishes Duane Groff

 

Submitted by Duane Groff on
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