John Rackliff

KITTERY, Maine — John Garfield Rackliff, 78, of Kittery, Maine, died surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Industry, Maine, on April 11, 1933, he was the son of the late Raymond and Kathleen Rackliff. He attended Central Maine schools and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.

John worked for many years at Mitchell's Exxon in Newington, N.H.

John enjoyed tending his garden, woodworking, collecting coins and adding to his extensive 4-leaf clover collection. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, and he could always be depended on to build or repair anything asked of him, earning the nickname "Fr. Fix It."

After retiring, John and his wife of 55 years spent their winters in Zephyrhills, Fla.

In addition to his wife, Donna (Wilde) Rackliff, John is survived by daughters, Barbara Grieb and husband, Douglas, of Barrington, Laura Ruger and her husband, Donald, of Berwick; sons, Jeffrey Rackliff and wife, Terri, of Granby, Conn., and James Rackliff and wife, Karen, of Hampton; grandchildren, Jeremy, Travis and Shayla Grieb, Sara Fallon, Michael and Stephanie Ruger, Jeffrey and Amanda Rackliff, Alex, Ashley and Emma Rackliff; three great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Kamara and Ayden and siblings Betty Butterfield, Bana Southworth and Marilyn Atwood.

John was predeceased by two brothers, Arthur and Mabra Packard.

Services will be held on Saturday, June 25, at the J.S. Pelkey Funeral Home, Kittery, Maine. Visiting hours will be at 2 p.m. followed by a Memorial Service at 3 p.m.

@Online guest book:Visit www.fosters.com/obits for an online guest book.