Abington – Derek Lee Ratliff 31, a lifelong resident of Abington, died unexpectedly Friday March 20.
Born in Brockton, he was the beloved son of Michael and Cheryl (Hodges) Linehan of Abington and Daniel and Marcella Ratliff of Ossipee, NH.
Derek grew up in Abington and was a graduate of Abington High School, Class of 2002. He was a talented hockey player and in his younger years he had played for the South Shore Eagles Hockey League.
He was an avid sports fan and had enjoyed skiing, snowboarding and dirt bike riding, but the greatest joy in his life was his niece Ariel Ratliff.
In addition to his parents he is survived by his brothers Jeff Ratliff and his wife Gisele of Marlboro, Kyle, Brendan and Sean Linehan and his sister Coral Linehan all of Abington, his grandparents Anita Stadig of Brockton, Margaret Linehan of Onset and Thomas O’Connor of Easton. He is also survived by his companion Christina Deluca and his very special aunt Lisa Henry of NH as well as aunts, uncles and many friends. He was the dear grandson of the late John Linehan, Dorothy O’Connor and Emile and Irene Legendre.
His funeral service will be held Tuesday March 24 at 8:00 PM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman. Burial will be at a later date. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service from 4:00-8:00 PM.
Donations in his name may be made to Learn to Cope, Box 60, Raynham, MA 02767 of at learn2cope.org.