David Jonathan Bradley, Sr.

David Jonathan Bradley, Sr.

March 13, 1939 – January 12, 2023

United States Army National Guard Veteran

MILFORD-David Jonathan Bradley, Sr. passed away peacefully at Christiana Hospital on Thursday, January 12, 2023. David was born March 13, 1939, in Denton, MD., son of the late Arthur Jonathan Bradley, Sr. and Mildred Elizabeth Marker Bradley.

David was one of nine siblings and was preceded in death by brothers, Charles Bradley and Arthur (Sonny) Bradley, Jr.; and sisters, Alice Bradley Marrow, Beatrice Bradley Blackmon, MaryAnn Bradley Fitzgerald. He is survived by sister, Margaret Bradley Millman; brothers, Phillip Bradley (Fran) and Edwin Bradley (Lois).

As a young boy growing up on a farm, David’s greatest passions revolved around animals and farming. He attended elementary school in Farmington, Delaware and high school in Milford, Delaware. He was not a fan of bookwork but loved working with his hands. He joined the Future Farmers of America (FFA), enjoyed agriculture, wood shop and welding shop classes. He loved sports, playing some basketball and football but excelled in wrestling. He was the Delaware State Heavy Weight Wrestling Champion in 1958.

In the Milford Nazarene Church one Sunday morning, a beautiful young woman was singing. It was love at first sight! David’s greatest desire was to get married, take good care of his wife and family, and have a home to call his own. He’d met the love of his life.

On July 18th, 1958, David married Evangeline (Van) Campbell. Together they raised five children, and their family quickly grew. They were married 62 years. He is survived by his children, daughter, Lisa (Bradley) Bruno (David), son, David J. Bradley, Jr. (Teresa), daughter Janet (Bradley) Bowe (Lynnwood), son, Arthur Ray Bradley (Pat) and daughter, Mary Elizabeth Bradley. There are now seven grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Having served Faithfully and Honorably 22 years, David retired from the United States Army National Guard, Sergeant First Class (E7). He specialized in tank artillery and maintenance. David also retired from General Foods Corporation in Dover, Delaware after 33 years. He loved carpentry and worked as an independent contractor building houses for many years.

David loved celebrating holidays and fun times with his family every chance he could. He enjoyed practical jokes, telling funny stories, and dressing up in costumes with his wife to make their children and grandchildren laugh. He was a simple man who loved camping, crafts, and laying in his recliner watching westerns. He loved John Wayne movies and to our surprise in his later years-he would stop the world to watch Judge Judy. He did not eat vegetables except potatoes but grew a massive garden year after year. One of his greatest joys was giving away bags of vegetables to others to enjoy. He was a strong man with exceptional work ethic and gentle spirit of compassion for those in need of a helping hand. Respect and compassion for both people and animals in need were two great lessons he taught his children well.

He believed, trusted, and loved God and was grateful for the many blessings bestowed upon him.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 11:00 am in the chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 NW Front Street, Milford, where friends may call after 10:00 am. Interment will be in Milford Community Cemetery, Milford. *Please help care for one another by attending to social distancing and gathering protocols*

Memorial contributions may be offered to: Milford Church of the Nazarene, 11 NW Salevan Place, Milford, DE 19963 or Modern Maturity Center, Social Services Organization, 1121 Forest Avenue, Dover, DE 19904.