Celebrating The Life of David Kevin “Papa” Radcliffe

David Kevin “Papa” Radcliffe, 68 of Wharton, NJ, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and dear friend, passed away on January 25, 2024, following a short but courageous battle against cancer.

Dave was born in Orange, CA to Frances (King) and Ted Radcliffe on September 23, 1955. He attended Window Rock High School on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Arizona and graduated in 1973. After graduation, Dave joined the Navy where he studied to become an Ocean Systems Technician. While in the Navy, he served in Key West, Bermuda, and Newfoundland, Canada. It was during this time that Dave met his first wife, Sharon, and had two children, Bryan (b.1976) and Lauren (b.1980).

Together the family, enjoyed exploring the beautiful wonders of the world, traveling, experiencing new places and meeting new people. With experience in carpentry, construction, and the computer industry the family moved to Texas, Colorado, Nevada, and throughout coastal California.

As a proud father, Dave taught his children to be fearless. He encouraged their spontaneity and for them to try things twice. Dave was heartbroken when he lost his beloved Sharon to cancer. It was the love for his children that sustained him. He was never prouder than when Lauren and Bryan enlisted in the U.S. Army. Together they served side by side in Balad, Iraq, and fought the Global War on Terrorism.

Dave realized life was too short not to chase his dreams. He explored his desire to cook. This is where Dave discovered two new loves in his life. The first was Nancy (Levesque). Dave and Nancy fell in love and married in 2008. Together they made his long-time dream come true and started a restaurant. They opened an English style BBQ restaurant, in Corona CA called Radcliffe’s Royal Ribs, named after his grandfather Royal Radcliffe.

During this brief but exciting time, Dave and Nancy met some of their best friends and shared some of their greatest memories. Following their time in the restaurant business Dave and Nancy moved to New Jersey to seek out new adventures on the East Coast.

Dave was blessed to be surrounded by his caring wife, daughter, and grandson William (b.2011) as they all gathered in the Garden State. Upon retirement, Dave loved weekend trips to Cape Cod to visit Nancy’s family. He enjoyed walking the puppies and teaching Will to fish.

Dave had a genuine and undeniable connection with the energy of people, animals, and nature. In his last years, you could always find him outdoors enjoying the sunshine. He attended every sport Will played and was so proud to see his grandson grow and excel as an athlete.

Dave was a true kid at heart with an honest sense of humor and the kindest smile. He made friends in every place he ever lived or visited. He will forever be remembered as fun-loving with an insatiable desire to make people laugh.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Radcliffe of Wharton, NJ. Loving Dad to Lauren Radcliffe of Wharton, NJ, and Bryan Radcliffe (Morgan) of Madison, AL. Stepson of Jeri Lee Radcliffe of Lawrence, IN. Cherished Papa to William Herrick, Nathaniel Herrick, Kennedy Radcliffe, Kenzie Radcliffe, Addison Radcliffe, and Benjamin Radcliffe. Brother to Shawn Dilley (Wayne), Bridget Gruette (Charlie Roberts), Carol True (Mark), Sara Radcliffe, Tamara Covert, and Teri Kelley (Roy). Dave was predeceased by his parents Frances Radcliffe (King) (d. 2000) and Ted Radcliffe (d. 2022), and his first wife, Sharon Radcliffe (Piester) (d. 2006).

A military service will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA in April followed by a Celebration of Life in New Jersey this summer. In his loving Memory, please consider donating to a charity of your choice where Dave will continue to be remembered.

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