Obituary of Douglas James Bradley, Jr.

Douglas James Bradley Jr. passed away peacefully May 8th surrounded by his loving family. The oldest son of the late Marjorie and Douglas Bradley, he is survived by his wife of 44 years, Deborah (Bernhardt) Bradley, sons William (Christina) and Benjamin (Erin), and grandchildren Emma, Liam, Nate, Shane, Ella, and Ryan whom he loved and enjoyed attending ball games, dance recitals and birthday parties. The pancakes he made for them were legendary. Also surviving are his sister Kathy (Pasquale) Laviano and Patricia (Jim) Heaton, as well as his brothers-in-law, George Bernhardt, James Bernhardt, sisters-in-law Lois (John) Harris, Janemarie (Robert) Gillespie, and his many nieces and nephews. Special cousins Maryann, Tom, Barbara and Chuck who along with their children shared many Thanksgiving meals and Fourth of July picnics.  Also surviving is honorary “Grandma Estelle” Fisher, long time neighbor and friend.

Born and raised in Putnam County, Douglas spent his youth outdoors, and enjoyed hiking, camping, fishing, and kayaking.  He graduated from Dutchess Community College and served a 5-year apprenticeship program in the Sheet Metal Workers local #38.

Doug joined the Bernhardt family when married in 1979, moving into the Bernhardt home and assumed the role of head of household, helping to raise Deb’s brother and sisters. He was kind and helpful to the Bernhardt aunts and uncles who needed assistance later in life. Doug was a selfless person who never turned down an opportunity to help others. We were blessed with wonderful friends and neighbors over 44 years.

He was a life member of Sheetmetal Workers local #38, former Fire Marshall for Westchester County, and a Chauffeur for the Continental Village Fire Department. As a skilled self-taught handyman, he took pride in taking care of his home, family cars and gardens.  Doug spent many weekends at the Central Presbyterian Church, supporting the ministry of the church by putting his skills to work for the community and providing transportation to those without cars. He was always happy to share his knowledge and skills with anyone willing to listen, and as a result, his work ethic, community mindedness, and respect for knowledge live on in his sons, his nephew Declan, and the many lives he touched.

A celebration of his life and Witness to the Resurrection will be Friday, May 12th 1PM, Central Presbyterian Church, 89 Hudson Ave. Haverstraw, NY 10927.