Ralph James Bradford Jr. passed away on October 15, 2008 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in New London.
Ralph was born on May 19, 1926 to Ralph James and Frances Gross Bradford of Lansdowne, PA.
Upon graduation from Upper Darby High School in June of 1944, Ralph was appointed to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY Class of 1947. During his plebe year, Ralph sailed in the Atlantic Theatre aboard the SS George C. Childress and the Pacific Theatre aboard the SS Brandy Station. Decorations included the Atlantic War Zone Bar, Pacific War Zone Bar, Philippine Liberation (with Stars) and Victory Medals.
Upon graduation from Kings Point, Ralph was employed as a marine engineer for Atlantic Refining Company (ARCO) of Philadelphia. In June of 1948, Ralph accepted a commission as ensign in the U.S. Navy. His assignments included engineering officer positions aboard the light cruiser USS Dayton (CL-105) and the amphibious transport USS Tallahatchie (LST-1154). In 1951, Ralph entered Submarine Officer School at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base, New London. Upon graduation in December, Ralph was assigned to the fleet submarine USS Crevalle (SS-291) as an assistant operations and communications officer.
In December of 1952, upon completion of active duty with the Navy, Ralph was employed by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton. In June of 1973, Ralph accepted the chief marine engineer position at National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), San Diego, CA. In January of 1986, Ralph returned to Electric Boat as a principal engineer. He retired in 1992 after 40 years in the shipbuilding industry.
In May of 1993, Ralph was recognized for his years of service by the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) with a centennial medal.
Ralph was a private pilot with over 800 hours of flight time, an avid model train enthusiast, and a proud grandfather of five.
Ralph was predeceased by his brothers, Donald and Bruce. He is survived by his of wife of 58 years, Lois Estabrook Bradford; his daughters, Susan Roberts of Philadelphia, PA and Priscilla Hammond of Annetta, TX; his sons, James Bradford of Brooklyn, NY, William Bradford of Westerly, RI, and Donald Bradford of Winchester, MA; and five grandchildren.
A Graveside Funeral Service with military honors will be conducted at Elm Grove Cemetery, Rte. 27, Mystic on Wednesday at 10am. A Memorial Service will follow at 11am at Union Baptist Church, High Street, Mystic. There will be no visitation.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Union Baptist Church, 119 High Street, Mystic, CT, 06355 or U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, 300 Steamboat Road, Kings Point, NY, 11024.
To share a message of remembrance or condolence with Ralph's family, please
click the link below.