Michael Anthony Radcliff

Michael Anthony Radcliff departed this life on July 5, 2021. He leaves behind his wife Shonna Riggs-Radcliff, daughters Jasmine Radcliff Scroggins (Dennis), Danielle Radcliff Jupiter (Joachim), Lauren Dene Radcliff, Taylor Brionne Radcliff, his son Desmond Barthelemy, step-daughters Charlyse, Deranique, Anissa, his granddaughters, Camille Victoria Jupiter and Briselyn Lily Scroggins, his sisters Helena R. Cunningham (Kevin), and Beryl R. Small (Michael), his brothers Michael Green (Dee), Kris Radcliff (Kate), Eugene Radcliff (Lisa), and Andre Radcliff (Rosalind), his father Andre Radcliff Sr., and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his Mother Patricia Anne Radcliff. A native New Orleanian, Michael is a graduate of Walter L. Cohen Senior High School, Delgado Community College (Respiratory Therapist Certification), and his beloved Southern University New Orleans (BS and MSW). He is the author of the book The Custom House Conspiracy (Barnes and Noble online) and numerous articles as a staff writer for The Louisiana Weekly Newspaper. In 2007, Michael was also the Inaugural President of the Xi Phi-Phi Alpha Honor Society. Michael Anthony Radcliff was born on August 31, 1959, to Patricia Anne and Andre Herman Radcliff Sr. He was the second oldest child. A contemplative and quiet child, Mike would typically read or work with his microscope and chemistry set while others played. He enjoyed chess and performing tricks from one of his many magic sets. He would sit for hours with his telescope marveling at the sights he would find. When he would read (his other passion) it was typically fare uncommon for the average child. At a young age, Michael would read books that were well above the canon of children his age. To those of us who knew him it was no surprise that Mike would actually grow up to become a writer and book author. His journey would also include his time as a Food Stamp Eligibility Coordinator and Supervisor. This was a perfect fit for Mike. Mike, who was to his core a fundamentally good and decent man, would ensure that no applicant would ever go hungry; especially children. If rules needed to get bent to get food to children, then they got bent. As his journey progressed, he would also spend time as a Respiratory Therapist, primarily at Meadowcrest Hospital. Another profession that was perfectly suited to his empathetic sensibilities for people. Yet again he would have opportunities to help people in the most direct way possible: by saving lives. And just like most in this field, Mike humbly dismissed his own contributions in the life and death struggles he routinely faced, while doing this important work. It was then, he would decide to go back to school to get his degrees. Indeed, up until the day he passed, his fondest educational aspiration was to conclude his pursuit of his PhD that he started in 2018. And when asked about why he would put himself through the rigors and demands of a graduate program, especially in light of his declining health, he consistently responded: MY CHILDREN. Anyone who knows Mike knew that his children were his sole reason for living. Michael Anthony Radcliff, son, brother, proud father of 5 amazing children (his “masterpieces”) and kindred spirit to all - You will be missed! Relatives and friends of the family are invited to a funeral service at Rhodes Funeral Home 3933 Washington Avenue on Monday July 12, 2021 at 10:00am. Visitation at 9:00am. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements by D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.