Richard H. "Dick" Ratcliffe

Richard H. “Dick” Ratcliffe, 82 of Pelham, NH passed away on Saturday March 4, 2023 at Lahey Medical Center, Burlington with his family at his side.

Dick was born in Lawrence and was raised and educated in Methuen and was a 1959 graduate of Tenney High School. He was a member of John Hancock Lodge, AF & AM of Methuen.  Before his retirement, he worked for over 30 years as a diesel mechanic with Lily Truck Leasing of N. Reading, MA.

Dick was a tradesman. He could do carpentry, mechanics and was a “jack of all trades”. He loved working on his 1934 Ford coupe. He enjoyed boating on Little Island Pond and especially loved spending time with his granddaughters and teaching them how to drive his golf carts.

Dick’s family members include his wife Gail M. (Balfour) Ratcliffe of Pelham, NH, his son Rick H. and his wife Nicole of Pelham, NH, his daughter Kerrie A. Cooley and her husband Ken Cooley of Goffstown, NH and his daughter Molly B. Ratcliffe of Salem, NH. He also leaves 5 granddaughters Kyleigh, Sarah, Kendra, Zoe and Chelsey and a sister Jean Robillard of Methuen as well as his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ronnie and Eileen Balfour of Methuen and his sister-in-law Nancy Berkheiser of Michigan. He also leaves several nieces, nephews and friends and his beloved dog Bailey. Dick was predeceased by his parents John W. and Vera A. (Benfield) Ratcliffe, 4 brothers, and 4 sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew Episcopal Church, 90 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday March 9, 2023 from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Dewhirst Boles Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen. Funeral services will be on Friday March 10 at 10:00 am at the funeral home. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Methuen. To leave an online condolence, please visit Dick’s tribute page at www.dewhirstbolesfuneral.com.  

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