Malachy Donald Cutcliff

Don was born in Birmingham, Alabama to Leo Miller Cutcliff and Blanche Jeanette Harter Cutcliff on March 31, 1938. He went to school at John Carroll Catholic High School and graduated from Birmingham-Southern College in 1961. He honorably served his country in the US Army Reserves. He married Mary Ann Welch on August 18, 1962, in Birmingham, Alabama.

Don Cutcliff was a beloved presence in his community and family, a man whose warmth and enthusiasm left a lasting impact on everyone he met. A devoted member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Don found great joy in his faith, attending Bible study and nurturing a lifelong connection to his church.

Professionally, He dedicated 26 years to Hoechst-Roussel Pharmaceutical company, where he received multiple national awards. As the Southeast Regional Manager, his sales team achieved #1 status under his leadership. Known for inspiring his team with positive quotes and motivational stories, he brought out the best in those around him and set a standard of excellence.

Don’s heart truly shined in his role as a grandfather, where he was his grandchildren’s number one fan, never missing a sporting event and cheering them on with boundless pride. His love for his family extended beyond the sidelines; whether it was decorating the house for every holiday, enjoying gatherings at Busch Gardens, or hosting his famous hotdog and baked bean cookouts at Lettuce Lake Park, he treasured every moment spent together.

A true lover of life’s simple joys, Don was a Tootsie Pop enthusiast and a fan of fireworks, bringing a sense of excitement and fun to family celebrations. He was known in the neighborhood for his friendly, social nature, always enjoying conversations with neighbors and sharing his love of tennis, gardening, reading, and patriotic pride. An outdoor enthusiast, he found peace and joy in activities like canoeing, kayaking, and walking. His legacy of love, enthusiasm, and unwavering support will be cherished by all who knew him.

Don is preceded in death by his father Leo Miller Cutcliff, mother Blanche Jeanette Cutcliff, and sister Barbara Jean Cutcliff Mills.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Mary Ann Cutcliff; his four children; Anne Borders (Scott), Mike Cutcliff (Jennifer), Sissy Myers (Mike), and Jenny Cowan (Craig): twelve grandchildren; Matthew, Bridgett Robison (Jeff), and Jackson Borders; Maggie Biefnes (Ben), Molly and Madeline Cutcliff; Cade, Bryce and Anna Myers; Audrey, Mary and Charlotte Cowan; two great-grandchildren Collins and Callahan Biefnes; his brother; Leo Miller Cutcliff (Evie); his sister; Sandra Lynn Holtzclaw; and other extended family members he loved dearly.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 12708 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33618. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Please click on the donation button below.

All are welcome to honor the life of Don Cutcliff at the home of Anne and Scott Borders following the funeral mass at 12pm to celebrate his memory. Please bring your best stories about Don as well as your appetite, a light lunch will be served. Our home is located at 2513 Clark Road, Tampa, FL 33618.