Donald "Donnie" W. Radcliff

Donald “Donnie” W. Radcliff of Aurora, NY, passed away September 24, 2024 after a brief illness.

He was born on January 30, 1939, to Robert Radcliffe and Hazel Snyder Radcliffe, the 2nd to youngest of 7 siblings. Don graduated from Sherwood Select Schools in 1958.

Donnie started work early at the age of 14 when he began his long career at Wells College. He spent the majority of his 52 years at the college as the head electrician. He loved working there and was loved by so many that often times he would make house calls for electrical issues on the weekends, never expecting anything in return.

Donnie served 8 years in the National Guards and during that time took part in being deployed to Rochester during the riots in 1964.

If there was a joke to be told, Donnie was usually the one telling it. He had a tremendous sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. He was a good husband, father, and friend. A very giving soul that would help anyone.

Donnie loved working in his vegetable garden and liked his lawn neat and tidy. You’d often find him tinkering in his garage on this or that and he could fix just about anything. He was a stained-glass artist and taught classes for a short time.

When his children were little, he loved taking everyone camping in the Adirondacks, Catskills, or Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Fishing off the Wells College Boathouse dock with his children was a typical family outing. 

Donnie met Georgia Ann Brambley in the late 50’s and they were married on August 20th, 1960, just celebrating their 64th anniversary last month.

Donnie was predeceased by his brothers, Karl, Bud, Charlie, Jim, Frank, sister-in-law, Anita, brother-in-law, George (Marie), and his grandson, Kevin Watkins. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Georgia, a son, Tim (Diana) Radcliff, daughter Lori (Richard) Radcliff-Woods, sister, Marie Fenner, sister-in-law Francine Grimsley, his beloved Boston Terrier, Tesla, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 2PM to 4PM on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Brew Funeral Home, 48 South Street, Auburn with a memorial service to follow at 4PM.

A Celebration of Life event is planned for spring/summer 2025.

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