Bernard Rife

Bernard Raymond Rife was born May 7th, 1917, in Cleveland, Ohio to Rudy and Isabelle Rife nee McElhone. He grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio, where he graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1935. He married Margaret Florence Tropf, July 20, 1940, and was the father of two children, MarnyJean and Florence. Bernard and Margaret celebrated 60 years of marriage prior to Margaret's death in 2001 and was 93 years old at the time of his death. Bernard served in the US Army during World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge, where he was wounded. Before the war and for a short period after, Bernard worked as a draftsman for the Illuminating Company. He then became the Assistant Director of Service for the City of Shaker Heights and later promoted to the Director of Service. He remained in that position until his retirement in 1984. Bernard is survived by his two daughters, MarnyJean Careaga Roger and Florence Chase Neil, four grandsons, Clay and Brett Careaga, John and Daniel Chase, and two great granddaughters, Catelyn and Ashley Chase. He is also survived by his three sisters and numerous nieces and nephews. The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in his name to Heights Christian Church, 17300 Van Aken Blvd., Shaker Hts., OH 44120, where Memorial Services will be held, Wednesday, June 16th at 4 PM. Entombment Knollwood Cemetery. BROWN-FORWARD SERVICE 216 752-1200


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