Dr. Robert L. Rackliffe Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Dr. Robert L. Rackliffe, beloved area Pediatrician, husband of Beverly Reeve Rackliffe, died peacefully at his home in Farmington Saturday December 26, 2015 with his loving family at his side. Born in New Britain, January 20, 1923, he was son of the late Mabel Foster and Frederic O. Rackliffe of New Britain. He attended local schools, graduating from New Britain High School in 1941. After graduation, he proudly enlisted in the Army Air Force. Bob was stationed on the island of Saipan during the Air War against Japan in World War II. Following his discharge from the service, Bob began the pursuit of his lifelong dream of becoming a Physician. He attended McGill University in Montreal, graduating in 1952 with a degree in Medicine. Bob ranked second in his class in medicine and 10th overall. Dr. Rackliffe chose to do his Pediatric Residency at Akron Children's Hospital where he was fourth year Chief Pediatric Resident. Upon completion of his residency, Bob returned to his hometown of New Britain where he and his wife, Jane, raised their four sons. Also at this time, Dr. Bob opened his practice of Pediatric Medicine on Arch Street. This was his dream come true and he continued to take care of the children of New Britain for more than 50 years. He served on the Staff of New Britain General Hospital for nearly 50 years. He was a Fellow of The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Hartford Medical Society. Bob Authored three medical articles, one of which was quoted in Dr. Paul Dudley White's book on heart disease. Another became the accepted treatment protocol for Stevens-Johnsons Syndrome. Bob was a member of First Church of Christ Congregational in New Britain and was a longtime member of Shuttle Meadow Country Club until 2006. He enjoyed tennis, bicycling, skiing and golf. Besides his wife Bev, he leaves three sons, Dan Rackliffe and his wife Jane of Ashford; Peter Rackliffe and his wife Vicki of Bethel, Maine; and Steve Rackliffe and his wife Meg of Lebanon; a daughter, Christy Rackliffe and her fiancé Benjamin Puffer of Collinsville; a brother, Rev. Donald O. Rackliffe in Massachusetts; eight grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and an eagerly awaiting 9th great grandson; several nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his son, James Rackliffe; a brother, Foster Rackliffe; and a sister, Janet Menz. A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday December 30th 11 AM at First Church of Christ, Congregational, 830, Corbin Avenue, New Britain, CT 06052. There are no calling hours. Burial in Maple Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jim Rackliffe Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o New Britain High School, 110 Mill Street, New Britain, CT 06051. The Carlson Funeral Home, New Britain is assisting with arrangements. Please share a memory or note of sympathy by clicking on "Send Condolences" at the bottom of this page.

Dr. Robert L. Rackliffe

January 20, 1923 - December 26, 2015

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