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Peter Radcliff Obituary
04/29/1932 - 10/05/2025
Peter Edward Radcliff Jr. | 1932–2025
Peter Radcliff, a long-time resident of San Francisco, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025, at the age of 93 in Santa Cruz. Born in 1932 in Istanbul, Turkey, Peter lived a long and full life devoted to learning, family, and community. He was a beloved husband to Diana and a devoted father to Peter Radcliff, Sharon Radcliff, and Daniel Radcliff. He is survived by his children, Sharon and Daniel, and his brother, David. A lifelong scholar and passionate thinker, Peter served as a Professor of Philosophy at San Francisco State University for over 45 years, where he inspired generations of students with his curiosity, wit, and love of debate. Active in the turbulent strike era, he was a strong union leader. He specialized in ethics and philosophy of mind, teaching graduate seminars on Wittgenstein into his 80s. Peter was an avid Scottish Country dancer, dancing into his 90s, enjoying the dance communities in both San Francisco and Santa Cruz, bringing joy and energy to every gathering. He had a deep love of the ocean, spending his youth in San Diego and developing a lifelong passion for surfing. An avid bird watcher, he could name and imitate the songs of hundreds of species. Peter was politically aware, endlessly knowledgeable on a wide range of topics, and always open to learning from others. Peter leaves behind a legacy of compassion, curiosity, kindness, and love.
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Memories and Condolences
for Peter Radcliff
Sponsored by Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel - Santa Cruz.
Sharon Radcliff
December 8, 2025
Hello, We are having a Celebration of Life in San Francisco on January 1st. please get in touch through the Scottish Country network to get more information! Sharon
Barbara Duhl
November 27, 2025
I was very sorry to hear of Peter's passing. Peter was a long time dancer at our Wednesday morning Folk Dance Circle at the Harvey Milk Center. We were concerned when he was unable to re-join us when our class resumed after COVID. We have missed him.
We'll be sure to dance "Absent Friends" in his memory next week --and we'll certainly feel his presence when we do a Scottish Strathspey --remembering how he always showed us the correct way to do that step since he was so much more knowledgeable about Scottish Country Dance styling than the rest of us International Folk Dancers.
We'll miss you, Peter, but we'll think of you when we are dancing the dances that you loved.
Ann Colichidas
November 27, 2025
I first met Peter when he was Professor Radcliff to me. I was 19 years old and in his Philosophy of Law class at San Francisco State. It turned out to be a bit over my head at the time. Imagine my surprise many years later when I met him again at City College, but this time as a fellow student in folk dance, and again later, when I was teaching at Harvey Milk, near his home. He graced our class for many years, shared his energetic style and expertise in Scottish set dancing. Obviously, Peter was a man of many interests and talents. I am always reminded of him when I'm driving on Castro Street. I will miss him!
Thomas Carroll
November 17, 2025
I had the chance to study with Peter Radcliff at SF State in the 1990s. During that time, I took his Wittgenstein seminar, was a teaching assistant for his Introduction to Philosophy course (which involved giving my first ever lecture), and had him as second reader on my MA thesis. He had a big influence on the development of my thinking, but what I remember most is his generosity and kindness with students in conversation. I´m really grateful to have known him.
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David Dell´Agostino
November 10, 2025
Remembering Peter Radcliff, whose Wittgenstein seminar profoundly shaped my philosophical outlook and approach to teaching. A brilliant, generous teacher-affable, engaging, and insightful.
Maria
November 6, 2025
While words fail to capture the pain of losing a loved one, we look forward to the time when words will fail to capture the joy of having our heavenly Father return your dear one to you.
Paul Martin, Walnut Creek, CA
November 6, 2025
Peter was my first professor at SF State - Philosophy 101 - and I will never forget the joy with which he taught young Gators to embrace critical thinking and the pantheon of great thinkers. He really was a delightful man and the best introduction to higher education I could have hoped for back in 1980. I have told my own sons about Peter and how his mastery and love of philosophy shaped my own decision to take as many philosophy courses I could at SF State and to pursue further studies in theology. Farewell great teacher. May the life to come bring you joy beyond imagining.
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