William Bradford, Jr., 85, of Shaler Township went to be with the Lord on Sunday January 1, 2023, at Allegheny General Hospital with his family by his side. He was born on August 13, 1937, in Pittsburgh to the late William and Frances (Matuszewski) Bradford, Sr. Bill grew up on the North Side graduating from Oliver High School in 1955. Following graduation, he served his country for four years in the US Airforce. When he was discharged, he felt the need to continue his service by joining the Air Force Reserve followed by the Pennsylvania Air National Guard serving a total of twenty years. Bill was a fifty- five year sheet metal journeyman with Local Twelve of Pittsburgh and worked for over thirty- two years with Ductmate Industries. He was Ductmate’s first employee in 1978 working for 32 years advancing from Foreman, followed by General Supervisor, and lastly the National Service Manager. Ductmate honored Bill by naming their training facility The William Bradford Jr. Training Center. He was also a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Glenshaw, the church Knights of Columbus Council #14722; The Fourth Degree, Queen of Angels Council of Wexford. Bill was very active with St. Mary’s Church, volunteering during the annual fish fry, festival, and Knights of Columbus breakfasts. He enjoyed caring for his yard, especially his pool. He was the most passionate about his family, especially his grandchildren and now great-grandchildren.
Survivors include his high school sweetheart and love of his life of over 61 years, Joanne Julia (Kaiser) Bradford, Joanne’s twin sister Jeanne Justine Zeigler; his children Renee J. (Shawn) Pennington, William C. (Lori) Bradford of Shaler; his grandchildren Ryan B. Pennington, Evan L. (Brenna) Pennington, Aila M. (Joshua) Freed, Hannah J. Bradford, and William “Tanner” Bradford; his great-grandchildren Logan R. Pennington, and baby to- be Freed; his siblings Richard (Jane) Bradford of Hoyt Lakes MN, Terry (Christine) Bradford of Pittsburgh, and Donna L. (Robert) Cunningham of Slippery Rock as well as many nieces and nephews. Bill also considered the employees of Ductmate Industries his second family.
He was preceded in death by his sister Patricia Pine as well.
Family will receive friends Tuesday from 2 -6 PM in the SIWICKI-YANICKO FUNERAL HOME, 23 McKrell Road, Russellton, West Deer Twp. where a blessing service will be conducted Tuesday 6 PM. Following the Blessing service, he will be honored with full military honors. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be sent to the Knights of Columbus, Council 14722, 2510 Middle Road, Glenshaw, PA 15116. View obituary online and leave condolences at www.siwicki-yanickofh.com.
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