FRANKLIN: Calvin B. Ratcliffe, Jr.

Calvin B. Ratcliffe, Jr., 82, of Wareham, died Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. He was the husband of Nancy (Coleman) Ratcliffe.

Born in Leominster, he was the son of the late Calvin B. Ratcliffe, Sr. and Mabel (Caffrey) Fredette. A previous resident of Franklin, he moved to and lived in Wareham for the last 13 years.

Mr. Ratcliffe worked for UPS at their facilities in Shrewsbury and Ashland. Prior to that, Mr. Ratcliffe served 7 years in the United States Navy from 1960 – 1967, including two tours in Vietnam. He served proudly on-board ships, USS Topkea, USS Ingraham and USS Moale while enlisted.

He was a past commander of the V.F.W. Post 3402 in Franklin, and a member of the American Legion. He was former High Chief Sachem and member of the Improved Order of Red Men Cromesset Tribe # 156 in Wareham and a member of the Charles River Lodge Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M. in Medway. Mr. Ratcliffe was also an avid Boston sports fan; having been a season ticket holder for both the Red Sox and Bruins for many years. He shared his love for sport with all around him.

Mr. Ratcliffe's time spent with his family was his greatest source of joy and the focus of much of his time. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Nancy Ratcliffe of Wareham; his children, Calvin Ratcliffe, III of Weymouth, and Shawna Salomon of Buzzards Bay, as well as his grandson, Jacob Campbell Salomon; his three brothers, Bruce Ratcliffe, Richard Fredette and James Fredette all of CT, and his sister, Joyce Herrera of FL. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family, who he loved unconditionally.

A celebration of life and interment in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne will be held at a later date.