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In Memory of Phillip L. Ratcliff
Phillip L. Ratcliff,
95, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2021. Phil was born in Akron, Ohio on June 6, 1925 to Charles and Frances Ratcliff.
He attended Coventry High School and went on to be part of the Goodyear Aircraft Squadron, class of 1945 where he worked on
the Goodyear Blimp. In 1950 Phil met the love of his life, Bess, and they wed on September 15, 1951. Together they had two
daughters, Phyllis and Terry who were the light of his life. Phil worked at B.F.Goodrich for 38 years where he was the
Service Manager in the Motor Department. After retiring from B.F.Goodrich Phil went on to work at J&J Auto Parts for many
years. Phil
loved to spend time with his wife doing what they loved the most, dancing. Great joy was brought to Phil when he was surrounded
by his family at countless Sunday dinners, birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings. He loved to spend time at Houghton
Lake, Michigan where he could drive his boat, fish, and eat the best donuts around. He never turned down a sweet treat. When
Phil was younger his passions included racing speedboats, boating, and working on automobiles. He also loved to bowl and play
golf. Phil
volunteered for the Green Good Neighbors, and was a member of the Sons of Italy Lodge 685 for over 20 years, where he served
as Sergeant of Arms. He was a devoted member of Queen of Heaven Church for over 50 years where he was part of Young at Heart.
During his time there, he used to dress up as Santa Claus and visit his grandchildren's elementary school, Otis. C. Hatton.
He loved to spend time playing BINGO at The Quirk Center in Cuyahoga Falls and played countless games of cards as a member
of the Tallmadge Prime Timers. As
a Polio survivor, he was an active member of Akron's Post-Polio Club. Phil is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Frances Ratcliff,
and sister, Phyllis (Cecil) Markel. He is survived by his wife, Bess, of 69 years; daughters, Phyllis (Neil) Dinkins, Terry
Thomas; grandchildren, Chris (Heather) Dinkins, Leann (Steve) Lutz; great grandchildren, Jacob, Nathan, Richie, Layla, Sydney,
and Stevie. Also included is his Godchild Casey Wilson, extended family, Jim Robinson, and his niece and nephews. His family would like to give a
special thank you to Dr. Kyle Yoder and the nursing staff on 4South at Summa Barberton Hospital. Crystal, Val, Caylib, Jennifer,
and Annette cared for our loved one as if they were caring for their own and we will be forever grateful. Our husband, father, grandfather,
and great-grandfather will always be remembered as the honorable man who loved sweets, was the quiet winner of Euchre, enjoyed
a day trip to the Casino and most importantly, someone who was loved dearly. The family will receive friends be Sunday, April
11, 2021 from 2 to 6 p.m.at Anthony Funeral Home of Green, 4178 Massillon Road, Uniontown, Ohio 44685 (corner of Massillon
and Steese Roads in Green, entrance off Steese). A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated be be celebrated Monday, April 12,
2021 at 11 a.m. at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church 1800 Steese Road, Uniontown, Ohio 44685. The Mass will be livestreamed
at www.queenofheavenparish.org. Donations may be made to
the Akron Post-Polio Club, c/o Judy Jacobs, 464 17th St. NW, Barberton, OH 44203. |
