Robert W. Bradley, Sr.

Robert Walter "Bob" Bradley, Sr.

Age 79, of Harwick, Pennsylvania, passed away Saturday, November 9, 2019 at UPMC St. Margaret, after a long illness.  Bob is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Maritza, daughters Elaine MacMahon (Michael), Lisa Thompson (Anthony), Ana Valero-Silva (Erik), and son Juan Carlos Silva; thirteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and family friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents,Walter and Margaret Bradley; brothers Dr. Phillip Bradley, Dr. William Bradley and James Bradley; sisters Betty Bilich, Joan Wagner, Carolyn Mortenson and Margaret Jean Osowski; wife Judith (Sack) Bradley; and beloved sons, Robert Bradley Jr. and Michael Silva.  

Bob was born July 20, 1940 in Cherry Creek, New York to Walter and Margaret (Mackey) Bradley. He loved to tell the folksy story of how he was born on the kitchen table of his family’s farmhouse. The family moved to Saegertown, Pennsylvania where he grew up and attended Saegertown High School. Bob’s father was an ordained minister, and Bob and his siblings enjoyed singing and performing in the family Gospel group, The Gospel Messengers Radio Ministry. Bob played the trumpet in the high school band, and was an accomplished basketball player in his youth. He proudly served our nation in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee during the Vietnam War in Washington, D.C.. Also as a young man, he traveled to 48 of the 50 United States working as a laborer, ranch hand and other odd jobs. He used this time in his life to experience all that Mother Nature had to offer: he fished, he hunted and relished in the natural beauty of the country he loved so much. He eventually settled down in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he married Judith Sack. Bob worked as a heavy crane operator, and he took great pride in having helped to build Three Rivers Stadium in the late sixties. Bob eventually became an insurance broker with Pacific Mutual and found much success in the field and many friends. After the death of his wife, Judy, Bob parented his two children with love, tenderness and always with lots of laughter. After his children graduated from college, he decided that he would, too. He earned his GED and enrolled at the Pennsylvania State University where he graduated with a BA in Black Studies. After graduation, he served as a guest lecturer at the New Kensington campus on the topic and would shoot hoops in between classes. About this time, Bob was blessed to find the perfect partner in life, Maritza. Early in their marriage, Maritza was by his side as he was honored to receive the designation of 33rd Degree Mason after a lifetime of service to the Scottish Rite. Throughout their marriage, she lovingly doted on him and cared for him as they took part in the many activities that he enjoyed in the last twenty-two years of his life including collecting retro toys and antiques, gardening, playing with his beagles and spending time with his children, grandchildren and many friends who he loved so much.  

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 18, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. at the Springdale Veteran’s Association, 1151 Pittsburgh Street, Springdale, Pennsylvania 15144, followed by visiting with family from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. Military honors accorded by the US Navy will be held at 3 p.m., followed by a light meal and refreshments. Donations may be made in Bob’s name to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, an organization he supported his entire life.

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