ESTERO, Fla. — Russell Vernon Radcliffe, M.D., died peacefully at home at age 75 in Estero, Fla., on Friday, Dec. 15, with his loving wife, Mary, by his side, holding his hand until the end. He battled courageously for years against a recurring case of cancer and lived 10 years longer than anyone with his particular condition ever has. He fought valiantly until the end and he made the most of his remaining time with family while still here.
Born in Washington D.C., on Nov. 14, 1942, a son of the late Robert V. and Emily (Brady) Radcliffe, Russell grew up in Maryland and then Stamford, Conn., before earning a biology degree at Johns Hopkins University in 1964. He then earned his medical degree at Temple School of Medicine in 1968. After medical school, Russell voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army for two years, rising to the rank of captain. Upon finishing his residency at the University of Vermont in 1974, Dr. Radcliffe served as a radiologist at CMMC in Lewiston for 40 years and served as the president of the Maine Medical Association in 1996-97.
He filled his spare time with countless hobbies, including skiing, golfing, cycling, tennis, piano, guitar, scuba, canoeing, photography, genealogy and travel, as well as car racing, which led to him being a nationally certified driving instructor with Porsche Club of America for 10 years. During his final years, he proudly became a leading member of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) organization, serving as its Florida Coloosa Chapter president in 2016-17.
In addition to his loving wife, Mary, he leaves behind his three sons, Mark, Brent and Nathan; stepdaughter, Michelle; two daughters-in-law, Lauren and Elizabeth; as well as two doctorate siblings: brother, Robert David, and sister, Carol, who was also with him in his final days.
Russ will be remembered dearly for his kindness, generosity and enthusiasm for life by his friends, family, colleagues and countless patients from his career in medicine.
Condolences may be shared with his family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.
Russell V. Radcliffe
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