Retired Lawrence Fire Chief James W. Bradley, Jr. 85 a resident of Lawrence, MA. died on Sunday, July 8, 2012 at the Academy Manor Nursing Home in Andover.
He was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts on September 1, 1926 to James W. Sr. and Catherine T. (Miskell) Bradley. Chief Bradley was educated in St. Augustine’s Grammar and was a 1943 Graduate of Lawrence High School. He then went on to serve in the United States Army Air Force during WWII. He then graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport Iowa class of 1949. Chief Bradley also attended North Shore Community College in the Fire Science Program. He became a reserve Firefighter on April 1, 1956, and then a permanent Firefighter March 30, 1958, Promoted to Lieutenant March 1, 1967, promoted to Captain-December 26, 1971, promoted to Deputy Chief-March 23, 1975, promoted to acting Fire Chief-May 17, 1981, promoted to permanent Fire Chief-March 18, 1984.
He served as a member for the Mutual Relief Association of the Lawrence Fire Department for over 30 years, Board of Directors-Red Cross Greater Lawrence Chapter, Greater Lawrence Safety Foundation, Mary Immaculate Transportation Board, served on the Greater Lawrence Medical Services Council, Member of the Exchange Club, Member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 8, Lawrence, MA. Affiliated with the Massachusetts Fire Chiefs Association, Past President of Essex County Fire Chiefs Association, New England Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Fire Chiefs New England Division, the National Fire Protection Association, Member of F-Troop, Mount Vernon Little League-Coach for 10 years, Holy Name Society at St. Patrick’s Church, and a member of Holy Family Mens Guild.
He leaves his loving wife: Patricia L. (Fitzgerald) Bradley, his children; James W. III and his wife Beverly of Methuen, MA, Michael J. Bradley and his wife Arleen of Lawrence, MA, Kathleen P. Deloge and her husband Michael of Methuen, MA, Timothy L. Bradley and his wife Susan Tyngsboro, MA, and Daniel P. Bradley and his wife Lisa of Attleboro, MA, Sister-in-law; M. Agnes Blanchette of Methuen, MA, as well as 7 grandchildren Kelly Henretta, Brian, James IV, Daniel, Mikaela, Shaun and Lauren.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 11:00AM in St. Patrick Church in Lawrence, a burial will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Lawrence, MA.
Friends may call on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 from 4:00PM to 8:00PM at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home Inc. 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA. 01841. For more information or to send an online condolence please go to www.breenfuneralhome.com.
Memorial contributions can be made to: Academy Manor Resident Council, 89 Morton Street, Andover, MA, 01810, or to: National Parkinson Foundation, Gift Processing Center, PO Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD, 21741-5018 or donate by phone: 1-800-327-4545