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Richard Bradt Obituary
Dick, the son of the late Clarence and Ethel Reinhardt Bradt, was born in St. Louis, Missouri and grew up in nearby Mascoutah, Illinois. After receiving his B.S. at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, he obtained his M.S. and Ph.D. at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. After being on the faculty at the Pennsylvania State University, University of Washington in Seattle, and the University of Nevada-Reno, Dick joined the faculty at the University of Alabama College of Engineering in 1994 as head of the department of metallurgical and materials engineering. In 2004, he was named the Alton N. Scott Professor of Engineering. He retired in 2009, but as Professor Emeritus he has remained an active researcher, speaker and educator.
His research focused on the properties of refractories, glass and ceramics. With students and colleagues from all over the world, he published more than 400 articles and edited more than 20 proceedings of international meetings. Dick advised more than 100 graduate students and directed 50 doctoral dissertations. In 2013, he received the W.D. Kingery Award of the American Ceramic Society, its highest technical honor, and Distinguished Life Membership in 2017. He was especially pleased to be awarded the University of Alabama Burnum Distinguished Faculty Award in 1998.
Dick was an avid sports fan and mineral collector as well as amateur horticulturist, growing many trees from seeds. Additionally, he was a member of Rotary for over 30 years. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Elizabeth; two daughters, Meredith and Claire; and three grandsons.
The burial will take place in a private ceremony in Mascoutah, Illinois. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa on Saturday, January 12, 2019, at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rotary Foundation or the Foundation for Mascoutah Schools Glover-Bradt Scholarship.
Arrangements handled by Heritage Chapel Funeral Home & Cremations, a Dignity Memorial Provider.
Condolences may be offered at www.HeritageChapelTuscaloosa.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Bradt
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john winkler
May 7, 2019
Dick Bradt was a classmate and roommate back at MIT. We exchanged a couple of emails just this last November, when he had just driven home from Utah through my hometown Hannibal, where he said he couldn't find any Winklers in town. I was deeply shocked just yesterday afternoon when I read of his death in the MIT May class notes. I am very sorry for his loss.
Jerome Rossel
March 11, 2019
Fond memories of the 20-8 season in BB at MCHS
Shana Rivers
January 14, 2019
My condolences Elizabeth. I remember him fondly as I would see him in the McMillian Building.
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Donna Petty
January 12, 2019
Dr Bradt (Dick) was a longtime friend who I admired from the day we met. I helped him and Elizabeth in 1994 when they were moving to Tuscaloosa and often enjoyed seeing him when the opportunity was given. He always gave me laugh with his quick, engaging personality. His humor, intelligence and loyalty were amazing. He will be greatly missed by the Tuscaloosa community. My deepest sympathy to Elizabeth and family. Sincerely, Donna Petty
Pam Smalley
January 11, 2019
My sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to Elizabeth Bradt and family . Pamela Smalley
Pam Smalley
January 11, 2019
My sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to Elizabeth Bradt and family . Pamela Smalley
Lois Sewell Mesner
January 8, 2019
Dear Elizabeth and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. As a 1956 classmate from Mascoutah High School, I admired Richard's wonderful sense of humour, his athletic skill and many accomplishments in high school and continued contributions to many professional sources as detailed in the obituary.
We were friends as high school classmates, and I appreciated keeping in touch over the years.
Richard's roots in Mascoutah were very important, and it was great to see him experiencing our class reunions and friendships.
His legacy will be remembered and admired forever, with his many personal and professional achievements.
He made this world a better place with his professional gifts which he shared.
Lois Sewell Mesner (MCHS Class of 1956) Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
January 7, 2019
My dearest Meredith, my deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your mother and sister.
MARIO PALACIOS
January 7, 2019
May he rest in God's grace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. May God bless you all.
Pixie Austin
January 7, 2019
We are thinking of you during this time of loss. May your memories bring comfort. Over time we hope your grief lessens. Pixie and Bob Austin
Allie Harper
January 7, 2019
I will miss his sense of humor and friendly smile. He had an office in the McMillan Bldg where I work. May your memories of him bring you comfort.
January 7, 2019
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
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