Richard Earl Ratcliff

Richard Ratcliff died on December 9, 2017 with Kathryn, his wife of 49 years, by his side. He will be remembered by his children Emily and Charles, his sister Barbara, and the many friends and students whose lives he touched.

Son of Earl and Alice Ratcliff, Richard went to Stanford University and then graduate school at University of Wisconsin where he studied sociology and met Kathryn. He was an active member of ACORN, where he fought for housing equality. His vocal support of social justice cost him a few jobs, but ultimately helped him earn a professorship at Syracuse University, where he was a valued member of the faculty for more than two decades. Richard continued teaching after retirement, most notably for the ECSU Jamaica Program, though whether he got more satisfaction from his students or the overproof rum was always in doubt.

Working with his hands gave Richard as much joy as working with his mind. The backyard was his canvas, building spaces for his wife to plant her gardens, or preferably moving and placing large stones into walls and patios. At the end of a long day he often relaxed with a game on the TV, especially tense Red Sox games and UConn Women’s Basketball blowouts. Other than his commute to Syracuse, the only thing that could draw him away from his yard was a need to travel. He visited 39 countries, though in recent years going somewhere new was less important than going someplace warm, especially Australia.

Richard was a gentle, patient, reliable fortress, always eager to teach, always ready to support. He could converse on any topic, but delighted in those he knew the least about. He loved spinning a tale. His family’s groans that followed a bad pun were music to his ears. His smile was pure, his love for people was endless, and his belief the world was a beautiful place that could be made better was profound.

 Service Information