Robert Arthur "Red" Ratcliffe

Robert Arthur “Red” Ratcliffe, 80, a resident of Salisbury died peacefully Wednesday September 19, 2018 at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston surrounded by his loving family, held by his devoted wife. Robert was born in Lawrence, MA on July 29, 1938 to the late Arthur and Anne (Louzon) Ratcliffe. He was raised and educated in Lawrence. Robert soon realized that the Navy was going to be his career and enlisted in 1957.  He served our country proudly rising to the rank of CTA Petty Officer 1st Class, retiring after 20 years of service.

Robert and his wife of 61 years, Joanne, along with their children travelled around the world twice, enjoying many cultures and destinations. For the past 32 years, Robert and Joanne wintered in Barefoot Bay, Florida. Robert was a minor league baseball coach in both Italy and Salisbury and win or lose he always treated the players to ice cream.  He enjoyed playing golf, puzzles, and skiing, but nothing gave him more pleasure than spending time with his family especially with his adoring grandchildren.

Robert is survived by his loving wife Joanne (Mleczko) Ratcliffe of Salisbury; children, Robert Ratcliffe and his wife Diane Queen of Salem, MA, Jay Ratcliffe of Granbury, TX, Mark Ratcliffe of Salisbury, Mary Jo McKinnon, Wayne McKinnon of Salisbury, Patricia Moylan and her husband Mark of Sandown, NH, and Jim Ratcliffe and his wife Becky Parnell of Denver, CO; grandchildren, Daniel, Brooke, Hunter, Hannah, Boston, and Hattie; great grandchildren, Skylar, Madison, Aubrey, and Brayden. He was predeceased by his brother David Dionne.

Family and friends may call on Sunday September 23, 2018 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Monday September 24, 2018 at Star of the Sea Church followed by burial at Longhill Cemetery, both in Salisbury.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Roberts name to The Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation and can be sent to 273 Columbus Avenue, Suite 10 Tuckahoe, NY 10707.

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