Angelic wings have been placed upon Deacon Daniel Radcliff, 91, of Belle Vernon on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015. He was born in Providence, Ky., on June 12, 1923, to the parents of Elizabeth and Peter Radcliff, who preceded him in death. He is the last survivor of his immediate family. Deacon Radcliff was preceded in death by seven sisters, Grace, Luzerne, Jean, Nanny, Ida, Hattie and Lucy; and two brothers, Allen and Otis Radcliff. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 46 years, Hazel Lockett Radcliff whom he married on July 31, 1954; and his wife, LuGene Green Radcliff after a short marriage. Mrs. Hazel Radcliff received her angelic wings on March 4, 2000; and Mrs. LuGene Radcliff received her wings on Aug. 1, 2009. Deacon Radcliff was also preceded in death by a stepgrandson, Marvin "Guy" Bizzelle in August 2014. After serving two tours of duty in the U.S. Army, where he received numerous awards for meritorious service, Deacon Radcliff moved to Pennsylvania to pursue a career on the railroad. In 1968, he became the first African American in Western Pennsylvania to have been promoted to a railroad foreman. In addition to his love for his family, his biggest love was serving God. A devout Christian, he joined the Antioch Baptist Church in Belle Vernon in 1954 under the direction of Reverend A.C. Morris, where he served in the church in various capacities. Rev. Morris ordained him a Deacon, and he served in that capacity for 50 years when he retired and was conferred the title of "Deacon Emeritus" in October 2012, because his health prevented him from serving at the level he was accustomed to doing. A very immaculate individual, Deacon Radcliff was a perfectionist who loved gardening, home remodeling, electrical and plumbing repairs, maintaining the grounds and the repairs for his church and anything that had to do with the preservation of any property. He also had a penchant for fine clothing; for the only time you did not see him in a suit was when he was doing some type of maintenance or gardening. He enjoyed traveling immensely. Nothing pleased him more than to sit down at the table on Sunday afternoons and holidays with his family and/or his church members to enjoy a good meal. Very popular throughout the Mon Valley for his infectious smile and outstanding personality, Deacon Radcliff was a lifetime member of the Mon Valley NAACP Chapter, as well as a Mason at the Monessen Temple, a Trustee of the Youghiogheny Western Baptist Association, where he served as Chairman of that Board and other humanitarian organizations. He is survived by two stepdaughters, Mrs. Dolores "Billie" Bizzelle-Johnson of McKeesport and Mrs. Irene "Dolly" Bizzelle-Rinne of Greensburg; one stepson, Marvin Bizzetle of Milwaukee, Wis.; stepgrandchildren, who affectionately knew him as "Pader", for whom he loved, nurtured and admired, Leon Johnson, Leon Bizzelle, Timothy Barrax and April Bizzelle-Sewell. He is also survived by four great-stepgrandchildren; a plethora of friends and neighbors, the congregation of the Antioch Baptist Church; and special recognition to Deacon George Frezzell who was both a friend and caregiver. Friends will be received at the Antioch Baptist Church, located at 945 Henry Street, Belle Vernon, 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, 2015. Homegoing service will be held at the church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015, Services entrusted to the WILLIAM R. TAYLOR FUNERAL HOME, 645 McMahon Ave., Monessen, 724-684-4877.
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