Jacob “Jake” Ratcliff, a resident of Oswego, N.Y., died on Monday, June 27, 2016, at his home with loving family members by his side. He was 44.
Jake was born in Manhattan and considered his childhood home Argyle, N.Y. In his early teens, he moved with his father, the late William “Tony” Ratcliff, to Oak Bluffs. He came to Oswego in 1991 and decided to start a career in the automotive field. In 1994 he met Teri , and they married in 1996.
Jake was a dedicated family man, and desired to extend his community involvement by joining the Scriba Volunteer Fire Department. Jake became a president of the corporation, and eventually achieved the rank of captain. Jake was involved in the extrication team, and competed nationally on numerous occasions.
Jake was an entrepreneur, and in 1997 he decided to start his first auto repair facility, Rockwood’s Garage, which was operating until 2003. At that time Jake upsized to the present Jake’s Automotive of Oswego. As the proud owner of Jake’s Automotive and a longtime fan of fast cars, Jake became a member of the Oswego Speedway racing family. Jake began with the Super Stock class, and eventually joined the Supermodified team with his ownership of the Supermodified No. 23, driven by his best friend, Jason Spaulding of Granby, N.Y. After Jake was unable to participate in racing due to health issues, he decided to stay involved in the racing community by owning a race-parts business.
He is survived by wife, Teri, of 20 years, and his children Nathan, 18, Natasha, 15, and Noah, 11. In addition to his devoted nephew, Andrew Pascuzzi, of Oswego, Jake is survived by his mother Beverly Burlett, sister Jennifer Ratcliff, both of Louisville, Ky.; brother Darren Lindridge of Hartford, N.Y.; mother-in-law Jane Lashway of Victor, N.Y.; as well as dedicated extended-family members, friends, and care providers. He was predeceased by his brother Benjamin Ratcliff, brother-in-law Timothy Lashway, and father-in-law Albert Lashway.
The family will greet friends on July 1 from 4 to 7 pm at Nelson’s Funeral Home, 11 West Albany Street, Oswego, N.Y. Fire Department honors will be bestowed on Jake for his past presidency of the Scriba Volunteer Fire Department. A celebration of his life will be led by Pastor Terry Nichols from the United Baptist Church of Scriba at 10 am on Saturday, July 2, at the Nelson Funeral Home. A light brunch will be served at the Scriba Volunteer Fire Department following the celebration of Jake’s life.
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