Michael David Ratcliff, 72, of Wadsworth, Ohio, passed away on November 19, 2020 at Akron City Hospital following a brief illness.  He was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada on January 9, 1948.  David graduated from Frankfurt American High School in Germany when his stepfather was serving in the U.S. Air Force. He went on to get a degree from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, where he was in the U.S. Air Force ROTC program.  Following fourteen years of active and reserve service in the U.S. Air Force as a fighter pilot, David embarked on a career as a commercial jet pilot for TWA and later American Airlines.  He retired from the airlines in 2013 at the age of 65 and was a franchise owner for Great Clips for 17 years, owning five salons in the Cleveland area. David found great joy in traveling abroad, attending Broadway musicals, and watching PBS. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed classic rock and IPAs.  No matter where he lived, he made it a priority to contribute to local charities, especially the local food banks. David is survived by five children:  Michael Montoya, of San Ramon CA; David (Xuan) Ratcliff, of Morrison CO; Katherine (Marty) Rainville, of Wadsworth OH; Evan Ratcliff, of Baton Rouge LA; and Erin Ratcliff, of Raleigh NC; as well as two brothers, Hal (Dottie) Ratcliff, of Edgewood NM; and Bob (Terry) Ratcliff, of Davenport IA; one half-brother, Wayne (Pat) Allen, of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia; business partner and friend, Lorie Cathcart, of Cleveland OH; 8 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his mother, Vivian Hardy Ratcliff, and his stepfather, Ray M. Ratcliff, USAF, Retired.  Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Feeding Medina County, PBS or NPR.

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