Edward G. Bradbury, Sr., fondly known as “Pa” to his family and friends, age 90, of Wilmington, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on May 23, 2015.
Ed was born in Bay Roberts, Newfoundland, Canada, on September 12, 1924; he was the beloved son of the late William and Annie (Morgan) Bradbury. Following the death of his parents at a young age, Ed went to live with his beloved aunt and uncle Fred and Edith Spracklin in Wakefield. Ed moved to Chelsea with his family where he was educated and was a graduate of Chelsea High School.
Ed was inducted into the United States Army on April 19, 1943; he proudly served as a Private with the 320th Infantry Regiment Medical Detachment Unit during World War II. Ed served in the Battle of the Bulge and earned several commendations including the Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, American Theatre Campaign Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon, the Combat Medical Badge, and a Bronze Star for his bravery. Ed was honorably discharged on March 21, 1946.
Following his return to Massachusetts, Ed went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Education at Tufts University in Somerville. Ed took a teaching position at Wilmington High School in the mid 1950’s but went on to continue his career as a Math Teacher for the City of Arlington for over 20 years.
Ed married his “sweetheart” and “best friend” Myrtle LeGrow on June 3, 1950; sharing almost 65 years of marriage and making countless memories to be shared for generations to come.
Ed’s family was always his first priority; he built their home in Wilmington with a lot of love and pride as well as his superb craftsmanship. Ed also enjoyed taking his family camping, trips to the Beach and Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire, cross country excursions, and back to Bay Roberts in Newfoundland, Canada to visit extended family.
In later years, Ed and his wife Myrtle loved to go to auctions, flea markets, antique shops, and yard sales just to find that unique treasure that they could feature at their family business, Myrtle’s Thrift Shoppe in Wakefield.
Ed will be fondly remembered as a wonderful husband, father, “Pa”, brother, uncle, a good neighbor, and a true friend to many. He will be missed.
Ed was the beloved husband of Myrtle I. (LeGrow) Bradbury, devoted father of Edward G. Bradbury and his wife Jannell of Merrimac, Carol Bradbury and her companion Leo Iacopucci of Bradford, Earl Bradbury of Wilmington, Paul Bradbury of Methuen, and David Bradbury and his wife Gayle of North Andover. Loving “Pa” of Sheila Ricchi, Laura Bradbury, Jonathan Bradbury, Ashley Bradbury, Sarah Zompa, Rebecca Bradbury, Melissa Gagerges, Earl Bradbury Jr., Rachael Bradbury, Mary-Ellen Bradbury, Aidan Bradbury, Madison Bradbury, and great-grandchildren Makenzie, Travis, Shaun, Lily, and Alton. Dear brother of Ralph Bradbury of Canada, Ethel Goodwin of Holyoke, the late William Bradbury, David Bradbury, Laura Bradbury, and was most recently pre-deceased by his brother George Spracklin of Everett. Ed is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and his former daughter-in-law Gerry-Anne Sullivan.
At Ed’s request his funeral services will be private. Memorial donations in his name may be made to the Home Base Program, c/o MGH Development Office, 100 Cambridge Street, 13th Floor, Boston, MA 02114.
(NOTE: Obituary from Nichols Funeral Home.)
Wilmington Apple 