Bradford A. Pearson, a long-time advocate for people with disabilities, died Saturday night at his Andover home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 64.
Born in Keene, NH, he was the son of the late Rev´d Roy and the late Ruth (Simmons) Pearson. Brad graduated from Newton High School and Suffolk University. He then embarked on a career as an advocate for people with disabilities for over 30 years. Honored by four governors, Brad served for the past 21 years with the Massachusetts Office on Disability. A recipient of the Manuel Carballo Award for outstanding service in his field, Brad was also a Board Member at the Department of Mental Retardation. Among his many accomplishments, he was instrumental in changing regulations, allowing parents to be able to raise severely disabled children at home. A dedicated husband and father, Brad lived much of his adult life in Brookline until his marriage to Lynda 18 years ago, when he settled in Andover.
He was the cherished husband of Lynda McNeil. He was a beloved father to Laura Vona of Randolph and Sarah Pearson of Andover. He was a second father to Holly Ruma of North Andover, Adam Ruma of Texas and Joy Ruma of Andover. He was a loving grandfather of Ryan Ruma. He was the devoted brother of Beverly MacNeill of Framingham.
A Funeral Service will be conducted, Saturday, August 5 in the North Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 190 Academy Rd., North Andover at 11AM. Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, Andover. A memorial service celebrating Brad’s life will be held in Boston at a later date.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Brads name to the Merrimac Valley Hospice, 316 Merrimack St., Building 9, Lawrence, MA 01843 or to the Hogan Regional Center, Division 2 Gift Fund, PO Box A, Hawthorne, MA 01937.