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Joseph L. Bradshaw

Joseph Bradshaw Obituary

Joseph L. Bradshaw, 44, of Chicago, July 19, an aspiring IT Tech and honor roll student at the International Academy of Design & Technology, dear partner of Donnie Terflinger; loving son of Darlene Abernathy and the late James Bradshaw; fond brother of Tina (Rafael) Ramirez, Jim and Kimberly Bradshaw and Dawn (Jerry) Grana; many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles; adored by Scooter and Sebastian. A Memorial Gathering will be held 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 23 at the Fresh Anointing Worship Center, Oakton Community Church, 1000 South Boulevard, Evanston, 60202. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Howard Brown Health Center, 4025 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60613-2018 appreciated. Info, Evanston Funeral & Cremation, Roland F. Weis, director 847-866-8843 .

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Jul. 22, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Bradshaw

46 Entries

Patricia Klingeman

July 16, 2025

Dear Joey,
it's that time of year again, when we lost you and you went to be with God. I do think of you often as I always have, but this week even more so. For me and for your Mother, who also left us almost 3 years ago, I love you and miss. you. God be always with you. Your Aunt Pat

Patricia Klingeman

July 19, 2024

Hi Joey, I thought about you a lot today with much love. You have been with God now for 16 years but know that I and your family still miss you very much. I especially miss the good talks we had in our kitchen on Avon. Now, like your Mom, Uncle John has gone to be with God too. Bless and keep you close! I love you, sweet boy.
Your Aunt Pat

Tina Ramirez

September 8, 2023

Happy Birthday in heaven my dear brother. I miss you and think of you often

Tina

July 19, 2022

Dear Joey not a day goes by that you are not missed. Today we reflect on the anniversary that you passed on. Know that your spirit lives on and you will never be forgotten. I love you dear brother
Tina

Patricia Klingeman

July 16, 2022

Joey, we miss you as much as ever and you are ever in my prayers. It's fun to remember the times you came over to our house on Avon and you and I and Uncle John had some good talks. We laughed a lot too; you were always a sweet kid I remember you with your sisters and brother when you were small, and you all put on shows for us- remember, you always liked to sing Ben!
You are loved a lot; t has been 14 years now and believe you are at peace - in God's hands.
Love you, Your Aunt Pat

Patricia Klingeman

July 18, 2021

Sweet Joey, It has been 13 years tomorrow since you went to be with God. We here think of you often and I always include you in my prayers. You are loved and remembered by all of your family. Your Mom and I speak of you often; she loves you so.Rest in the arms of God. We love and miss you as we always will. Aunt Pat and Uncle John

Tina

July 17, 2021

Joey, 13 years have passed and I still think of you often my dear brother. I know your in heaven looking down. Sometimes I feel your presence so strongly and miss you so much. I wish you were here so much at times, although I know we all go home to God when it´s our time
Love Tina

Patricia klingeman

July 18, 2019

On this 11th anniversary, you are lovingly remembered by us, Joey, and in my daily prayers. Your Mom and I speak of you often, recalling childhood memories when you and your sisters and brother put on shows and sang popular songs; you were so sweet. Remembering also the times when you visited us in IL and the good talks we had and times you spent with your Mom as you helped her settle into her apartment and anticipated the little things she needed done. You are home in God's care yet we will always miss you and your dear smile. With our love,
Aunt Pat and Uncle John

Peace to you my Brother.

July 20, 2009

It's been 1 year since the Lord took you Home. Peace to you My Brother
9/8/1962 - 7/19-2008

Peace to you my Brother.

Tina Ramieez

July 19, 2009

It's Been 1 year since the Lord took you home. 8/8/1962-7-19-2008

Family

July 19, 2009

Joey we love you!

July 16, 2009

Joe, (Baby Darlin's)
"Unreal"-That is the word that sums up this past year, It's so hard to believe that a year has past since God decided to make you one of his angels, They say that "time heals all wounds", Well I guess not enough time has past, because the hurt is still overwhelming there, and to say I miss you is just well an understatement.
Joe, I don't think you were surprised when Scooter joined you on June 15th, he was never seemed the same after you were taken (I know he missed you too) his health was so bad and he probaly should have joined you sooner, but I guess I was being selfish, I didn't want to lose him too, and I know deep in my heart that our "Boo-Boo Dog" is safe and at peace because he is with you and God and that his tail is wagging like crazy at the sight of seeing his "Dad Joe" again.
Baby Darlin's, this will be the last time I leave you a message in this guest book, but Darlin's the letters to you in my journal will go on, as does my love for you, So please take care of our boy and please continue to watch over me and help me along this lonely journey, One day, Joe we will be together again, you remain my heart and soul and I'll always love you!
Donnie

July 1, 2009

Why does it still seem so surreal that you're gone? It truly has not registered that I will never see you again. I wish I could hear your infectious laugh one more time. I have so many emotions swirling that it consumes a better part of my thoughts on a daily basis. The fact that it is coming up on a year since you passed is beyond comprehension to me. I will never understand why you were taken so soon....I guess the old saying, "Only the good die young" rings true for you. I believe you had a heart of gold and only wanted to be accepted and loved. I also believe that you were loved tremendously by those that mattered most in your life. Your memory will live on inside me for as long as I am able to breath and my heart beats. I miss you more and more as each day passes. Rest in peace...until we meet again.

joe and friends from school (he was so fond of you all..donnie)

May 16, 2009

Joe and I at pride parade 2007

May 2, 2009

May 1, 2009

Baby Darlin's
Fifteen years ago today, you and I became a couple, Thru the high peaks and the low valleys we made it, We were finally doing it right, you back in school-proving to yourself something the rest of us already knew, that you had strength, drive and a special gift, we were ALL so proud of you, and I pray that I show how very much I was.
Our home and our "boyz" (scooter & sebastian) were wonderful, we had finally had our dream.
I will never understand why you were taken so suddenly, but I know in my heart there had to be a reason, I just have not been able to anwser that question yet.
Since that terrible day, my life has changed in ways I never could have imagined, but thru it all I know that you and God have been giving me the strength to go on.
Baby Darlin's, there is not a day that has gone by that I have not thought of you, longed for you, my heart is broken and at times I'm so alone it hurts, but then I sit and talk with you and I know it will be okay.
I got US a very special place in " Graceland Cemetary (I remember how much you liked to take walks there) So one day and forever we will remain together--just as we had planned.
Joe, you were my friend, my lover, my partner and I am a better person because of the 15 years we spent together and for that I remained blessed.
HAPPY ANNIVERSY AND I LOVE YOU,
Donnie

Tina

April 14, 2009

Dear Joey,
I thought of you a lot at the Easter Virgil. I thought of the blessed Mother with hope that mom might find compassion and comfort through the gift Jesus gave to us, his Blessed Mother.

As the mass went on so many things where going through my head. I thanked Jesus that he gave his life to save all of us. I thanked him for knowing that our time on earth is all in preparation to enter his kingdom of glory for eternal life. Then I thanked Jesus for taking care of you. I cannot talk to you but I really believe you hear and see what is in all of our hearts.

After the mass, I went into the little room where the Blessed Mother held Jesus in her arms, Rafael lit a candle for you, as I knelt and began to weep. As I wept, again I looked up and saw Jesus being held by his Mother. I prayed that our Lord was holding you in his arms in the same caring way, and then I knew that he was. I wept a little harder at that point and needed some time to pull it together before I could leave the room to walk through the crowd.

I missed you and although I cannot see you, I do have your spirit as all of us in the family do and your spirit will live with us forever. Thank you for that gift little brother, thank you.

Much missed and always in our hearts,
Love,
Your Big Sister and the family.

Joe

March 14, 2009

Tina and Joe one Holloween when we were teenagers

March 14, 2009

Joe Mom and Tina Christmas time when we were little

March 14, 2009

Tina Ramirez

March 14, 2009

Dear Joey, I wanted you to know I have been lighting a candle for you at mass. I pray that God keep you close and that you send your warmth and thoughtful ways back towards the earth in God Speed. I am sure you know what I mean. You may be gone in body but your works in spirit still need to hang around. I am in tune and know what you wanted, the same thing I wanted. You joked we were twins in high school, how could I not know. No matter what happened in our life we always knew that we both loved each other very much and that there was nothing that could ever take that away. I will say that there are good days and bad days. Good days because I know you are with God, and selfishly bad days becasue I think about plans we use to talk about that never came and wished we had not put them off. Dear brother I know that you know what my thoughts are, and what I pray for and How in tune I am. I think of you always and know that you are at peace. I love and miss you very much and hold you dearly in my heart little brother.

With much Love and cherished moments,
Your Big Sister Tina

I wish we were at this place together again.

Tina Ramirez

January 25, 2009

My Brother I miss you dearly. I think about some of the last things we did and last times we saw each other. The times were way to long in between. I only pray that you are looking upon us all and know how much you are loved and missed.

Much Love your sister Tina

donnie terflinger

January 11, 2009

Baby Darlin's,
It's been 6 almost six months since you were taken from this earth, and I'm heart broken,not a day goes by that I don't miss you, wish that I had the chance to talk with you, get advice, hear your laugh or just to see your face one last time.
The holidays were tough but I made it through with Gods help and you watching over me, as I know you are, as you always did, I would not be able to get through this without your strength, I needed it then as I need it now.
Joe, my love for you will never fade, I wear your wedding ring on a chain around my neck and mine will always stay on my finger, Baby Darlin's, I will always love you, and I can only pray that you are with God and at peace.
your lover/partner/friend:
Donnie (aka: snookie)

Big Sister

January 1, 2009

Desparately, helplessly, longingly, I cried:
Quietly, patiently, lovingly God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate,
And the Master so gently said, "Child, you must wait."

"Wait? You say, wait!" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith, I have asked, and am claiming your Word.

My future and all to which I can relate
hangs in the balance, and YOU tell me to WAIT?
I'm needing a 'yes', go-ahead and sign,
or even a 'no' to which I can resign.

And Lord, You promised that if we believe
we need but to ask, and we shall recieve.
And Lord, I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply!

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate
As my Master repied once again, "You must wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taught
and grumbling to God, "So, I'm waiting... for what?"

He seemed, then, to kneel, and His eyes wept with mine,
And he tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens, and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead, and cause mountains to run.

All you seek, I could give, and pleased you would be.
You would have what you want--But, you wouldn't know Me.

You'd not know the depth of My love for each saint;
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint;
You'd not learn to see through the clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there;

You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence were all you could see.

You'd never experience that fullness of love
As the peace of My Spirit decends like a dove;
You'd know that I give and I save... (for a start),
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

The glow of My comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight,
The depth that's beyond getting just what you asked
Of the infinte God, who makes what you have LAST.

You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that "My grace is sufficient for Thee."
Yes, your dreams for your loved one overnight would come true,
But, Oh, the Loss! If I lost what I'm doing in you!

So, be silent, My Child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to get to know Me.
And though often My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer is still, "WAIT."

[ Author Unknown ]

As you have requested my Lord, I shall wait

though my heart is broken in pieces I shall keep the faith.

You know what you are doing, better than I; there is comfort in knowing my brother is resting right by your side.

Heavenly Father it is by your grace, I know you have Joe in your arms embraced.

By faith I believe
Tina.

January 1, 2009

Dear Little Brother, Happy new year. Your memory lives on.
Much Love,
your Big Sister

...dedicating all future shows to you

Garry Allan Breul

September 14, 2008

I participated in St Pete's AIDS Walk today. If you want you can get a sign pinned to your back that says, "I'm Walking Because ..." and you fill in a reason. I was walking with the Theatre Team I helped put together....Over the ".... " I wrote : I Love Joe and Donnie....My team cheered when I showed them this sign; The AIDS Theatre Project dedicated it's 6th Annual Night of Alternative Theatre to you, Joe. I know you would have liked that. Regret we didn't do more plays together, you had a humaness that spilled over the stage, and enbued the characters you played with the warmth of a real kind, loving, caring person... When I get up there, let's do a show together. Until then, I'm dedicating all of SATP's work that I'm involved with to your memory. I'll always love you, Joe. And, I'll miss knowing your here. Garry Allan Breul

Lil Sis

September 8, 2008

Today is tough...usually I would send you an email to wish you a Happy Birthday or maybe even send you one of those silly e-cards that sing and dance, not being able to do that today hurts. You are missed terribly, I wish I could talk to you on the phone or see you and watch you flitter around in the hyperactive way you had about you. What once used to annoy me has become an endearing memory, funny how that works! Love you and miss you so much, especially today!

A Poem for Joe By: Ian Booker

August 11, 2008

You were my buddy
Your were my friend
You stood right by me
Until the end

Through notes and books
Our time we would spend
With our study group
Was the trend

I cannot believe
That you passed away
It is not fair
I wish you could stay

You gave me advice and
You thought so highly of me
At least as far
As I could see

To me, your death
Was quite a blow
And it filled my heart
Full of woe

For your soul
I will pray
And respect
I will pay

Joe Bradshaw
You were great
And I am sad that
You met your fate

Rest in peace
I will miss you a lot
And you will not
Be forgot

Kimberly Bradshaw

August 3, 2008

Even though I'm still in denial (I like it here) I felt moved to share some things about Joe. I was watching a movie and one of the characters said "you know, the Greeks didn't write obituaries. They only asked one question when a man died...did he have passion?" My head swirled with Joe and his passion. Like his laugh, his all out full body loud as it could be laugh. And the time he was in a high school play. He was playing the part of an old man and he kept putting more powder on the wig to make it look grey. Every time he took a step little bursts of white would poof from his head. That only helped him gain audience attention and inner joy! And all the fights he had with Tina growing up (those two were almost twins they were together so much). Joey would pick up the closest object and chuck it at Tina's head full force! I remember thinking how glad I was that wasn't me! He was great to have on your side in a snowball fight. As an Uncle, when he was with the kids he gave them everything he had...putting Zachary on top of his feet and dancing around, holding Amanda until she fell asleep, lovingly accepting the nickname "Uncle Cranberry" from Zachary one Thanksgiving. How can a man with this much passion be plucked from the earth so early? I hear your laugh in my head. I want to be able to turn around and see your face my brother...

I love you, I miss you
your little sis, Kimberly

Remmington VanAllen (Empire of Chicago)

July 27, 2008

We would like to send our heartfelt condolences to Donnie Terflinger and the family of Joseph Bradshaw. We know how painful the loss of a loved one can be. May you
know that he will always be with you in your heart and with the many fond memories that you have shared together. I am sure that he will be greatly missed by all of those whose lives he touched. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult and painful time.

Mayra Vazquez

July 26, 2008

Dear friend,

When I found out about your departure my heart shattered. You were the very best friend I had at school. I cherish the moments that we talked, laughed, and spent time together. Your sincere character and humble words brought me inner peace. I will never forget your kind words, " I appreciate people for who they are and not for what they have." You appreciated yourself, life, as well as others. Joe, you were such a sweetheart. I feel bad because I didn't show up to your memorial service on Wednesday, I got lost on the detour on Ridge. Your flowers have turned brown now, but I know you will forgive me. I hold you close to my heart and in my prayers. I wish for the heavens to embrace you with great luminosity and for you to reach your eternal restful peace. I will dearly miss you my good friend, in the name of the father, son, and holy spirit. You have gone away, but your essence still remains. We will reunite with each other someday, but for now take care.

With great love,
Mayra

Tina Ramirez

July 25, 2008

Dear brother after your service I had a long drive back home to Texas and time to reminisce. I remember when we were both little, all the shows we use to put on for Mom and Dad. One less bell to answer was one that came to mind as you pretended you were a bartender and I sat at the bar singing the song while you listened. I thought about the day some kid at school hurt you and I went looking for him. I thought about the time when a kid was up in a tree and spit on my head and you whapped him with a large stick. I thought about the times we use to go to old Chicago with our cousin and dance in the dance contests. (And yes, we knew we were better than everyone else out on the dance floor) I thought about the Christmas we stood up all night at my house wrapping gifts and finished just before Christy, Dennis and Rafa woke up. (Boy were we feeling giddy from a lack of sleep that Christmas) I thought about times we disagreed, times we laughed and times we cried together. But most of all I thought about how none of these times will ever go on and that my journey of life how I knew it, with you in it, has now ended. So much pain, so much hurt and so much anger comes with that last thought and I suppose it may take a lifetime to learn how to deal with not having you in my life anymore. I pray for strength and courage to guide me through this loss that should not be. Rest in piece my dear brother and know you will never be forgotten and always loved.

Your big sister,
Tina

Dawn Grana

July 25, 2008

I will remember my brother as an individual who wanted more out of life and did whatever it took to make that happen. He loved his family dearly which was evident to me when I went to his home to see pictures all over of our Mom, brother and sisters, nieces and nephews and of course his partner. Joe was and will always remain in my memory as a spirited, artisitc man who also had an analytical side which was proven in the success he achieved in school. His life was far too short, he was just beginning to realize his potential. I can only imagine that he is with God attempting to take control and not letting anyone get a word in edgewise. Joe you are missed terribly but I feel you are in my heart more now than ever....you will always be with me.

Steve Nokes (Empire of Chicago)

July 24, 2008

I will remember Joe as the truly high sprinted, full of energy, I can do anything person that he really was. I will remember how talented you were and all those red glitter dropping from Dorothy’s flats all over the Baton. When we put our talents together as a group we were unstoppable. You were such a part of that. What an energy you could be to others. Donnie, my sincere sympathy on your lose. I was lucky to witness how Joe truly cared for you. He is heaven with Fabby, look out you other angels

Patricia Klingeman

July 23, 2008

Dear Joey,
Be happy and at peace in God's care. We will miss you very much. We will carry good thoughts of you in our hearts with memories of the special and loving person you were. P.S. That smile is dynamite!
We love you always.
Aunt Pat and Uncle John

Kurt M Langeloh

July 23, 2008

I have known you & Donnie for as long as you two have been together. You will be very much missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Keith Kirby

July 22, 2008

I've known Joe & Donny for many years. My best wishes & prayers go out to Joe's family & Donny. God Bless Always

zachary cook

July 22, 2008

It pains me to say your gone, but at the same happy that your in better place you will be missed dearly. I know from this point forward you will be watching over us all. Love you always Unle Cranberry.

Amanda Cook

July 22, 2008

He inspired me to write poems. I will never forget that, and we will never forget him. Love you all.

Rev. Dr. Harvey Carr

July 22, 2008

A precious friend gone too soon. I will treasure many beautifully shared moments with Joe and Donnie.

donnie terflinger

July 22, 2008

joe, my partner, my love, my life
my heart is broken, but I am so deeply thankfull for the support I have received from joe's family and my dear friends at home depot, I would be lost without you all.

All at Bridie McKenna's

July 22, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kimberly and family on the loss of Joseph.

Diane Willett

July 22, 2008

I work with Donnie at Home Depot and want you all to know how very sorry I am for your loss. I know that Joe was a much loved man. Gone too soon!

Tina Ramirez

July 22, 2008

In memory of loving brother getting his smile back.
With much love Joe's family.

Pam

July 22, 2008

I work with Dawn and wanted to extend my heartfelt sympathy to Joe's partner and all his family and friends. This is such a difficult time for all of you and I can only hope that very soon your memories will only be happy ones.

Carla & David Friends of Dawn & Jerry, Kimberly and Tina

July 22, 2008

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones.

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