Clifford Blumenthal
Clifford Rhoads Blumenthal, 78, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2026, in Roanoke, Virginia, after a long and courageous battle with multiple forms of cancer. First diagnosed in 2008, Cliff faced every challenge with quiet strength, determination, and remarkably few complaints. He continued working until retirement and, in his final weeks, was surrounded by family and loved ones. He passed peacefully in his sleep with his beloved granddaughter, Ella, by his side.
Born on December 19, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, to Carl and Florence Blumenthal, Cliff was the younger of two sons. His older brother preceded him in death after his own battle with cancer.
Cliff had a lifelong love of learning and a curiosity that never faded. After high school, he joined the United States Air Force, where he worked in encryption and security services. Much of his work remained classified, and to this day, his family still jokes that they never truly knew what he did. True to his humble nature, Cliff never mentioned that he had received a Medal of Merit for his service; his family only discovered it after his passing.
While stationed in England, Cliff met the love of his life, Phyllis. Their first date was at the Kings Arm Bar, and they formed an immediate connection. At the end of the evening, as Cliff walked Phyllis to the bus stop, she shared that she was soon leaving for a trip to the United States to visit family. Not wanting to waste a moment, Cliff introduced himself to her parents while she was away and asked for permission to date their daughter. Once they approved, they secretly shared the details of her return flight, allowing Cliff to surprise her at the airport when she arrived home. The rest, as they say, was history.
Cliff and Phyllis were married on October 7, 1972, at Saint Mary’s Church of England and shared more than 54 devoted years together built on faith, partnership, and unconditional love.
After leaving the Air Force, Cliff and Phyllis moved to the United States, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business and built a career in the computer technology industry. Never one to stop reinventing himself, Cliff later pursued careers in sales and real estate before ultimately earning a master’s degree in leadership and becoming a teacher for Roanoke County and Patrick Henry. He deeply enjoyed working with students and helping shape their futures.
Cliff was a man of many passions. He loved animals, fishing, boating, camping, gardening, and tackling new projects—whether or not he had experience doing them first. In retirement, he developed a love for gardening, carefully cultivating flowers and plants to recreate the beautiful English-style gardens that reminded Phyllis of home. He also taught himself home improvement skills, proudly installing hardwood floors throughout the upstairs of the family home. His crown molding work, however, remained a favorite source of playful criticism from his daughter, who happily reminded him that some talents are best left to professionals.
He also had a deep interest in law and justice and spent countless hours researching and advocating for causes he believed in. Cliff never met a stranger. He had a warm heart, a generous spirit, and a quirky sense of humor that could make anyone smile. His infectious laugh and kind presence will be deeply missed.
Above all else, Cliff valued family. He was happiest surrounded by the people he loved and was a constant source of strength and support to those around him. Together, Cliff and Phyllis built a home filled with compassion, laughter, and open doors. They welcomed not only their children, Kylie and Carl, but also many of their children’s friends who needed love, guidance, or simply a safe place to land. Their family grew even more with the addition of their grandchildren Bryan, Ella, and Jack, each of whom brought Cliff immeasurable pride and joy.
The world feels a little less bright without Cliff in it, but his love, humor, resilience, and unwavering devotion to family will continue to live on in all who knew him.
Memorial services will be held Monday, May 18, at 2:00 p.m. at Rader Funeral Home, 1630 Roanoke Road, Daleville, Virginia 24083.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Cliff’s memory to the American Cancer Society, Lymphoma Research Foundation, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
