IN LOVING MEMORY OF

John Llewellyn

John Llewellyn Radcliffe, Jr. Profile Photo

Radcliffe, Jr.

December 10, 1946 – September 8, 2025

Obituary

John Llewellyn Radcliffe, Jr. passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025 surrounded by his family. Throughout his life, John devoted himself to caring for others, always generous with his time, steadfast in his friendships, and quick to offer encouragement and love. He mentored and guided countless men and women, leaving a lasting imprint on the lives of those fortunate enough to know him.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1946, John was a 1964 graduate of Haverford High School. He attended the University of Oklahoma before proudly serving in the U.S. Army with the 82nd Airborne Division from 1971 to 1973. Following his service, he completed his degree at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. John's career took him through a range of fields, from fishing charters in Florida to a number of dedicated years at Archbishop Pendergast Catholic High School, but he found his true calling in counseling. He earned his Master of Science in Counseling and Human Relations from Villanova University in 2003 and became a Licensed Professional Counselor, specializing in addiction and its impact on families.

A devoted Philadelphia Eagles fan, John could often be found spiritedly cheering and shouting at the television during games. His love for Oklahoma football was just as strong, and he followed the program, its players, and coaches with unwavering dedication. Beyond sports, John found peace in the outdoors whether it was fishing Darby Creek, feeding the birds across the Philadelphia region, or lovingly tending to his ever-expanding garden.

John's greatest joy, however, came from his family. He shared more than 21 years of love and partnership with his wife, Elizabeth "Betsey" Radcliffe (née Griesmer), and was a proud stepfather to Madeleine Franconi (Bob Liberatoscioli), F. Peter Franconi (Genna), and Nicholas Franconi (Madeline Jones-Franconi). He is also survived by his brother, Richard Robert Radcliffe (Nenita). The brightest light in John's life was his beloved granddaughter, 6 year-old Delphine Liberatoscioli. Their bond was magical, filled with joy, laughter, and unconditional love. To each other, they were royalty: "Delphine the Queen" and her doting king. John was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret Stackhouse Radcliffe and John Llewellyn Radcliffe, Sr. as well as his sister, Margaret Jane Kane.

The family would like to recognize the medical teams at Jefferson Health and the University of Pennsylvania for their exceptional care, compassion and support over the past 12 years John lived with cancer. A special thank you is owed to Dr. Marcia Brose and her oncology team, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, and Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation on Saturday, September 20, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Thomas of Villanova Chapel, 1229 E. Lancaster Avenue in Rosemont, PA 19010 followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in John's name to the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove .

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Llewellyn Radcliffe, Jr., please visit our flower store.

Funeral Services

Visitation

September
20

10:30 - 11:30 am

Funeral Mass

September
20

Starts at 11:30 am

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