Benjamin Radcliff

Benjamin Radcliff, of New Carlisle, Indiana died on June 10, 2024 after a lengthy illness. He was 60 years old.

Benjamin was born in Ottawa, Illinois on August 28, 1963 to Frank and Linda (Mosier) Radcliff.

Graduating from Ottawa Township High School at the top of his class, Benjamin was the first of his family to attend college. He completed his formal education at the age of 25 with a PhD in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

While he held faculty positions at Rutgers University and Vanderbilt University, almost all his professional life was spent at the University of Notre Dame.

Publishing many peer-reviewed journal articles, he also wrote and edited books. A great summary of his research is represented in his book The Political Economy of Human Happiness; How Voters' Choices Determine the Quality of Life. It details his research on the connection between government support for citizens and workers and overall human happiness.

His study of well-being was expanded through two research experiences in the Netherlands, a residency at the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Studies and later, a Fulbright Fellowship at the Roosevelt Center.

He believed in the power of people to make a positive difference in their lives and the life of their communities through both small and big 'd' democracy.

Ben had many interests; music, politics, old world wines, historic houses, long distance walking, campaign gaming, short-wave radio and exploration of the mind. He loved animals, including his many cats and one very special poodle. This love of life led him to become a vegetarian.

Ben and Amy shared their curiosity and enthusiasm for travel. From China to Chile, they enjoyed art and architecture, churches and museums, long distance walking, horseback riding and any ocean coastline. These trips were punctuated by the eternal quest of sustenance for a vegetarian who didn't like vegetables.

Benjamin was an impressive scholar and enjoyed a meaningful career. He was respected by colleagues and admired by students. He was a kind man with a great laugh and sharp intellect. Those who knew him count themselves lucky to have had him in their lives.

Ben is survived by his wife Amy (Gille) Radcliff with whom he shared his love for almost 40 years. He is survived by his very much-loved mother Linda (Mosier) 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 Benji.

Ben was preceded in death by his much-loved grandparents, Lester and Mildred (Wheeler) Mosier of Seneca, Illinois; and his in-laws Kenneth and Anne Gille.

A celebration honoring his life was held in South Bend, Indiana in August 2024, where friends, colleagues, former students and family gathered to reminisce with much laughter and some tears on the life of a man who walked at his own speed.

More information on his scholarly life can be found in the Autumn 2024 issue of The Notre Dame Magazine and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; In Memoriam published July 3, 2024.

The family wishes to thank the University of Notre Dame community, the Department of Political Science, and the Rooney Democracy Institute for all the generous support and assistance given at a very difficult time.

Memorial donations in honor of Benjamin's life can be directed to Heifer International.