Bertrand W. Bradbury
1939-2010
Bertrand W. Bradbury, 70, of Cromwell, husband of Joan (Bonafonte) Bradbury, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 9. Born in New Britain, he was the son of the late Willard A and Germaine (Fournier) Bradbury.
Bert W. Bradbury, the beloved Secretary of Washington Lodge #81, served in that office for many years. Brother Bradbury was elected and served as Worshipful Master in 1986 and when his father decided to give up being Secretary after thirty-five years, it was Worshipful Brother Bert whom the Brothers of his Lodge chose to follow him in that office. It was with great pride and pleasure that his father, the late Right Worshipful Brother Willard A. Bradbury, was able to assist in his installation in both those offices. Worshipful Brother Bradbury became a Right Worshipful when he was selected by the Grand Master of Masons in Connecticut to serve as Right Worshipful District Deputy of Masonic District Seven (A) for the years 2004 and 2005.
A lifelong resident of Cromwell, Bert enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He also enjoyed traveling, recently returning from a cruise to the Caribbean, and spending time with his family and friends. He was happiest surrounded by those he loved, singing songs, and enjoying his wine and cigars. He built his own woodworking shop and spent happy times making gifts for his family and sharing his skills with his grandsons. His loss is deeply felt.
Besides his beloved wife, Joan, he is survived by his daughters, Wendy Bradbury and her fiancee, Jim Adamowicz, of Cromwell, Jill Warzecha and her husband, David, of Colchester and Rachel Bradbury of Marlborough; his four grandsons, Thomas E. Raffa Jr., Philip and Patrick Rioux, and Jim W. Adamowicz; his brothers, Dennis Bradbury of Woodstock, GA and Roger Bradbury of Cromwell, and their families; a special niece, Jacquelyn Bonafonte of Cromwell; his favorite aunt Anna Fournier of East Berlin, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The beginning is a blessing, the end inevitable but the journey was a joy.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 14 at 9 am from the Cromwell Funeral Home, 506 Main Street, Cromwell followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am at St. John Church, 5 St. John Court, Cromwell. Burial will follow in West Cemetery in Cromwell. Friends may call on Tuesday evening from 5-8 pm at the funeral home and in lieu of flowers, may make donations in Brother Bradbury's memory to the Washington Lodge #81 Greg Gaulton Scholarship Fund or the Masonic Charity Foundation, both may be sent to Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Connecticut P.O. Box 250, Wallingford, CT 06492. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.doolittlefuneralservice.com
The Hartford Courant April 12, 2010