Obituary of John N. Bradbury
John N. 'Jack' Bradbury, age 82 of Le Roy, NY., passed away peacefully early Sunday morning (August 20, 2017) at Strong Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Jack was born June 2, 1935 to R. Ellsworth Bradbury and Mildred Vader Bradbury. He is survived by his wife, Lana Longhini Bradbury. Their devoted marriage of 36 years was a testament of their commitment to one another and the loving journey they shared.
He was a graduate of Le Roy High School, class of 1953 and Cornell University 1957 where he earned a BS in Agricultural Economics.
Upon graduation, Jack was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. During his 22 years in the USAF, specializing in air traffic control, he served in several leadership positions, including Squadron Commander in Naples, Italy assigned to the NATO Southern Region. He was stationed in: Mississippi, Maine, Morrocco, New Hampshire, Vietnam, Virginia, California, Italy, Nebraska and retired September 1978 as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Following a stellar career in the military, Jack and Lana moved to Montreal, Canada, where he served 12 years with the United Nations/International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). He was Chief, Rules of the Air, Air Traffic Services and Search and Rescue (ROCSAR). He promoted safety of international aviation. Jack was actively engaged as a Special Consultant of the 1990 USSR breakup. In October 1991 he retired and returned to the Old Stone House in Le Roy, NY., becoming active in his home town.
He was a Board Trustee of the Le Roy Historical Society, becoming Vice President. Jack was instrumental in helping commission the Jell-O Museum; Founder and Chairman of the Oatka Creek Watershed Committee; Chairman of the Village Creek Stabilization Committee; Trustee Machpelah Cemetery Association; Le Roy American Legion member; life long member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving on various sessions and committees and enjoyed being President of the Le Roy Seniors Golf League.
He will be remembered for his passion and love of family, faith and service to his country.
Mr. Bradbury is survived by his three children: daughter Christine Diane (Harry) Cornelius, grandson, Cameron of Arlington, VA.; son Timothy Noel Bradbury, granddaughter, Savannah Nicole, grandson, Stone Michael of Bellows Falls, VT.; and daughter Linda Ann Bradbury of Harpursville, NY. Two sisters: Nancy B. Aiken of DeWitt, IA., and Bonnie B. (Michael) Murphy of Remsen, NY. Deceased brother and sister; L. E. 'Brad' Bradbury and sister Sonja D. (Ted) Brownell.
He is also survived by nieces and nephews: Mark (Denise) Brownell, Matthew (Laurisa McAllister) Brownell, Melessa (Shawn) Witkowski, Molly (Jerry) Condello, Steve Aiken, Drs. Bonnie (Bobby) Grigsby, John (Luz Carmona) Franklin, Jim (Sarah) Franklin, LisaNoelle (Mawethu) Ncaca. He is also survived by many great and great great nieces and nephews.
No calling hours. A private family gathering. Interment will be at Machpelah Cemetery, Le Roy, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 7 Clay Street LeRoy, NY. 14482; Le Roy Historical Society, 23 East Main St., Le Roy, NY. 14482 or the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 193, 29 North Main Street, Warsaw, NY 14569. Jack would be grateful.
