Michael Ratcliffe Obituary

Michael George Ratcliffe

Jul 3, 2025

Marblehead

Michael George Ratcliffe, 74, of Marblehead, died peacefully in his home Thursday, July 3, 2025.

He was born in Columbus, in 1950, to Rita and Richard Ratcliffe during the Thanksgiving Blizzard of 1950.

Michael was preceded in death by Martin Richard Ratcliffe, Kathy Ratcliffe, Rita Stovicek, Richard Ratcliffe, Gilbert Stovicek, William Joyce, and Janet Joyce. His nephew, Patrick Votypka, is now reunited with his Uncle Schmo.

Michael is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Brigid "this is not her funeral" Ratcliffe (Joyce); and their five adoring children, Marty Ratcliffe, Mary Catherine Ratcliffe, Mandy Siciliano, Michael Kevin Ratcliffe, and Lil Brigid Burke. As his family grew to include his cherished children-in-law, Bridget Ratcliffe, Carmello Siciliano, and George Burke IV, along came the littlest loves of his life. Grandpa's joys, Liam, Eire, Clara, Carmino, Tieg, Ronan, and George V. Grandpa's granddogs, Karen and Oliver, will forever miss him at the table.

Michael's family is large, loving, and Cleveland Irish. He is survived by his dear brothers and sisters, Ricky (Helen), Kevin, Julie Neubert (Dan), Shawn, Laura Desmond (Rich), and Scott Lavelle. Brother-in-law, to Tom Joyce (Shirley), Judi Votypka (Jamie), Brian Joyce (Joann), Billy Joyce (Dee), Jimmy Joyce (Delores), Gerry Joyce (Nancy), Janet Koch (Joe), Mary Borden (Adam), and Peggy Joyce. Uncle Mike loved his Godchildren, nieces and nephews dearly, you may all have your noses back.

Michael will forever be remembered by his devotion to his faith, family, fashion, his affinity for nautical nonsense, and his love for puppies, kittens, and babies. He never met a Hallmark Movie he didn't like. He loved big. He made friends everywhere he went. His laugh will echo in our hearts forever.

Services will be Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 822 Barclay St., Marblehead (live stream available via the church's website). Viewing begins at 9:30 a.m., Catholic Mass to follow at 11 a.m.

Celebration of life to be hosted in Cleveland at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Patrick G. Votypka Foundation or Saint Joseph Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com. Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Peninsula Chapel is handling arrangements.