Benjamin F. Radcliff

1963 - 2024

Benjamin F Radcliff
Born: August 28, 1963 in Ottawa, IL
Died: June 10, 2024 in Indianapolis, IN
Benjamin Radcliff, of New Carlisle, Indiana, died on June 10, 2024. He was 60 years old.
He was born August 28, 1963 to Linda and Frank Radcliff in Ottawa, Illinois. He graduated from Ottawa Township High School in 1981. Ben attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he obtained a BA in 1984 and a PhD in Political Science in 1991. While he has held faculty appointments at Rutgers University and Vanderbilt University, the majority of his academic career has been spent at the University of Notre Dame.
In 1985 he married Amy Gille, in Champaign, Illinois. As a couple, Ben and Amy enjoyed spending time with one another, making the most of academic postings in the Netherlands, traveling the world, and living their lives in beautiful old houses. Together they cared for many cats. Their love for one another was deep, and their marriage uniquely inspiring.
Ben published many papers and articles in his academic career. His book, The Political Economy of Human Happiness: How Voters' Choices Determine the Quality of Life was published in 2013 detailing his research on the connection between government support for citizens and workers and overall human happiness. Ben's life was devoted to helping others, and his research reflected his deep feelings of justice and love for his fellow human beings. He was respected by his colleagues and admired by his students.
Ben is survived by his beloved wife, Amy, his mother Linda Caise, and brother Jeffrey Radcliff and his family. He is further survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Cynthia and Jerome Frozena, Manitowoc, WI; his nieces Margaret Frozena and husband Gerald Nachtwey, Richmond KY; Elizabeth Frozena and husband Ryan Powers, Cary IL. Ben was a granduncle to Solomon and Felix Nachtwey and Lucille and Vivienne Powers. They will miss their "mad scientist" uncle.
He was preceded in death by Amy's parents Kenneth and Anne Gille.
He was an impressive scholar and enjoyed a meaningful career. He was a kind man with a great laugh, a love of music and history. Those who knew him count themselves lucky to have had him in their lives.
A celebration of life is planned for mid-August. For those who wish to honor Ben with a donation in memory of, please contact Heifer International.