Jerry D. Bradley — UPDATED
Jerry D. Bradley, 62, Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017 at the Elkhart Hospice House.
On Jan. 20, 1955, Jerry Dean was born in Rochester. He was a treasured son of Floyd Sr. and Arminda Reffitt Bradley. Growing up he shared his childhood with two sisters and four brothers.
Employed with Norris Thermal Technologies, in Tippecanoe for many years, Jerry was a swingman, multi-talented, who could meet any challenge or conquer any task presented. He relaxed at home by manicuring his lawn and flower beds. As a mechanic, gifted with his hands, Jerry was at ease in his “mancave,” garage. He spent countless hours helping his family, neighbors and special friends with repairing and tuning up their car and truck engines. It was a meeting place for his cronies where world problems were solved and local news was thoroughly discussed.
Paramount in his life were the grandchildren and his great-grandson. Grandpa Jerry loved spending time with them making memories. The holidays and special family celebrations were times he held near to his heart.
Left to cherish Jerry’s memory are his children Angie Bradley and companion Jerrod Williams of South Bend, Khrissy Harcrow of Tippecanoe, Katie Jo Smith of Burkett, Jeremy Smith of Rochester and Sara E. Smith of Vermont; two sisters: Shirley Hurley and husband John of Goshen; Kathy Lynn Oswalt and husband Steve of Tippecanoe; two brothers: Floyd “Bud” Bradley Jr. and wife Betty of Rochester; Thomas Gohn of Logansport; 15 grandchildren, a great-grandson, special buddy Jack Hackworth and wife Jackie and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding Jerry in death are his parents and two brothers Lawrence L. Bradley and Gary Bradley.
A celebration of the life of Jerry Dean Bradley will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at the Riverview Community Church, 3780 SR 110, Tippecanoe with Pastor Rod Ruberg officiating. Friends may visit with the family from noon until the hour of the service. Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to his family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.