Obituary of Robert D Bradford

Robert D. Bradford Stockton Springs Robert D. Bradford, 84, son of Raymond Guthrie and Vivian Irene Bradford, passed away peacefully with family by his side September 3, 2012, at the Waldo County General Hospital in Belfast. Bob and twin sister, Betty Rae, were born October 30, 1927 in McKeesport, PA. He graduated from McKeesport Boys Vocational School in 1945 and joined the United States Marine Corps that September. He attained the rank of Gunnery Sargent and was an Airborne Radar Intercept Operator in P61 Black Widow and F7F Tigercat nightfighters. He remained in the Marine Corps until 1952, seeing service in China and Korea. Bob attained a B.A. degree from Asbury College, Wilmore, KY in 1957 and an M.S. degree from The University of Southern Mississippi in 1987. He also attended Tulane University School of Medicine and the University of Pittsburgh. After eleven years as a research physicist, Bob turned to teaching science and math. His teaching career spanned 25 years from grades 7 through the university level. He taught classes in Ohio, Maine, Mississippi, and on the island of Bermuda. In Maine, he taught at Center Drive School in Orrington and Bucksport High School. Bob, an avid member of the Boy Scouts of America, joined Cub Scouts in 1935. He was a leader of Troop 235 of Stockton Springs for 40 years, known to scouts in later years as “Jurassic Bob.” He was Eagle Scout mentor for Troop 235 for many years and was justly proud of all the boys he helped become Eagle Scouts, including his grandson Jim. The Boy Scouts of America awarded him its highest honor for Adult Leaders: The Silver Beaver Award for Distinguished Service to Youth. He was also a proud recipient of the Waldo District Award of Merit. After retiring from public education in 1988, Bob and Sara moved to Bermuda for six years. He taught science and math at Mt. Saint Agnes Roman Catholic High School for three years, worked on an oceanographic research vessel for one year, and was a full-time volunteer at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo. Upon returning to Maine, he resumed his Scouting activities and became active again in the Sandy Point Congregational Church. He began making unique, wooden cars and trucks for children in Waldo County and elsewhere. In 2005, Bob decided he had been retired long enough and went to work at the Belfast Hannaford Supermarket. He worked there as bagger until 2011, when at age 83, Bob felt it was time to relax. Bob is survived by his wife of nearly 56 years, Sara. His son Mike and his wife Regina of Sarasota, FL, his daughter Laura, her husband John, and their three children Mariama, Devon, and Jared of North Falmouth, MA, and his son Bob, his wife Bonnie, and their son Jim of Stockton Springs. Also, his twin sister Betty Rae DeFelice of Westland, MI, one niece, two nephews, and their families. A service of celebration of Bob's life will be held Sunday, September 16 at 2:00 P.M. at the Sandy Point Congregational Church, Route 1, Sandy Point, ME. Immediately following, he will be laid to rest with military honors at the Sandy Point Cemetery. Join family and friends at the Sandy Point Community Hall after burial services for refreshments and fellowship. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sandy Point Congregational Church Community Outreach Fund, PO Box 21, Sandy Point, ME 04972.