John A. Bradford

Dr. John A. Bradford, Emeritus Professor of Sociology at Kent State University, Tuscarawas Campus, died peacefully late Saturday evening, August 4, 2007, while in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Bradford spent more than three decades in a classroom of higher education, locating to the Tuscarawas Valley in 1976, when he joined the faculty at the TusCampus. He earned his Ph.D. with a 4.0 from the University of California at San Diego in 1976, and had graduated as valedictorian from San Diego State University where he completed undergraduate coursework in 1971. Born June 18, 1941, at St. Paul, Minnesota, to the late Albert and Nora Nelson Bradford, Dr. Bradford was raised in the Missionary Alliance Church. For many years he has been a member of the First Baptist Church at New Philadelphia, and a member of the New Philadelphia Lion’s Club. Together with his wife Karen, Dr. Bradford worked to improve the quality of life for consumers of MRDD services by operating the East Circle/East High residential services. These group home environments made everyday living comfortable and meaningful for those who could not otherwise live independently. In addition to his wife, and those with whom he cared for, Dr. Bradford’s family includes a son, John A. Bradford and wife, Barbara of Jacksonville, Florida; a daughter KarenAnn Edith Rader and Husband, Scott of Clinton, Ohio; and a son David James Ronald Bradford and wife, April of Norton, Ohio as well as six grandchildren, Christopher, Elizabeth, Steven, Katie, Ariel and Matthew. A brother, Ronald Bradford of New Philadelphia; and two sisters Carol Welch of Molalla, Oregon, and Lavonne Paulson of Janesville, Wisconsin, and many nieces and nephews. Those who knew Dr. Bradford best will miss the charm of his quiet, pleasant and unassuming character. The Bradford family will receive friends Saturday afternoon from 2PM-4PM in the Auditorium of Founders Hall on the Tuscarawas Campus of Kent State University at New Philadelphia. Cremation has been arranged, and a private memorial service will follow. Those unable to personally attend Saturday are encouraged to share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the Bradford memorial on the funeral home’s website. Dr. Bradford left written instructions encouraging memorial contributions to the First Baptist Church , 878 Commercial Avenue SW , New Philadelphia , OH 44663. Linn-Hert-Geib(330) 343-5506www.geibfuneral.com