Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Robert W. Bradway
1943 - 2023
Robert W. Bradway
1943 - 2023
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1943
DIED
2023
Robert Bradway Obituary
Robert W. “Captain Brad” Bradway, 79, of Middletown and East Hampton, husband of Judith (Doughty) Bradway, passed peacefully Monday February 6, 2023 at his home “The White House” surrounded by his adoring family. You might know him by his many “aliases” - Bob, Bobby, Brad, Captain, Pop, Dad, Grandpa - whatever the name, he was your friend and welcomed you into his family.
He was born in Stafford Springs, son of the late William H. and Ruth (Bren) Bradway. Bob was the owner of Light Rigging Company, Middletown, which he founded with a pickup-truck and self-built trailer in 1979 with the late Ramona Bradway and built from scratch into the premier rigging company in Connecticut with the help of his son Mark, longest-tenured crew leader nephew Martin Kujawski, Office Manager Gerry Mechachonis, and a cast of hundreds over the decades.
He will always be remembered as the fun-loving, generous, flirty, successful, sentimental, karaoke-singing, bourbon-loving, sailor, bossman whose huge presence always filled the room. The amount of people he helped start in business - or in life - fills volumes.
In addition to his wife and her children Erin and Ben Gannon, he is survived by his sons Robert Bradway and his wife Kelly, Mark Bradway and his girlfriend Shannon Wilson; grandchildren Riley, Masey, and Jacob; sister Carole Burtt; several nieces and nephews and extended “family” of hundreds. He was predeceased by his brothers Edward and Jerrold Bradway; and sisters Elaine Golub and Nancy Kibbe.
The family wishes to express a special thanks to Brad’s caregiver Tammy for her superb, compassionate care.
Friends are encouraged to visit with his family on Friday (Feb. 17th) at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St, Middletown from 4 to 7 p.m. Burial will be at the convenience of his family.
Honor Brad’s legacy by following the example he set for us - help someone get their start in the world, mentor young people to excellence, make someone feel special, introduce someone to Karaoke. Don’t just think about it - do it.
To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.
27 Entries
Brian Kujawski
February 20, 2023
Our deepest, sincere condolences to Mark, Rob and family. Brad will be extremely missed by both of us. His legend will live on! He was a generous and sincere hard working man. He lived a wonderful life. We’re sure he’s at peace and with Mona B now.
Sharon & Brian Kujawski
Your friends at the GAMMONS Hoaglund Company
February 20, 2023
The best, friendliest rigging company we have had the pleasure of working with. Rest in peace, Brad. Condolences to his family and friends. We are thinking of you.
June D. Lamoureux
February 19, 2023
Knowing Bob as a friend and classmate was a wonderful joy for me. His humor and fun-loving antics always made me smile. Bob’s generosity and desire to help others was personal for my family when he hired my son Daniel for a job at Light Rigging. Bob and Daniel met when they were both involved in Boy Scouts. Their friendship grew and continued many years after Daniel left Light Rigging.
Bob was a good friend for my family and he’ll remain in our hearts always. With great sadness we extend our deep condolences to the Bradway family, especially to his sons Rob and Mark. May you all be blessed with enough strength to endure this very sad and difficult time. May you also experience the sense of peace that comes with happy memories.
Jeff Swanson
February 17, 2023
Brad will be missed by everyone at DSO Manufacturing. We are very sorry for your loss.
How you can show support
Lolly Giaccone
February 17, 2023
Rob and Mark Bradway and family. I am very sorry for your loss. Your dad was bigger than life. A great man and a wonderful friend. He touched so many lives. He will be missed by many.
Carol & Robin ~ the Shad Shack
February 16, 2023
Our thoughts are with you.
Cat Tailer
February 15, 2023
Capt. Brad,
Really miss you at the White House....it's just not the same without you here holding court. Loved your stories of the good old days; so glad I had the opportunity to hear you tell them! Every time I look up at a blue sky in summer or a star filled winter night, I will always think of you.
Love and Eternal Peace,
Cat and Ollie
Peter Campanelli
February 15, 2023
Our deepest sympathy to The Bradway family.
Brad’s kindness has helped countless people through
the years, and he will be missed my many.
Brad’s welcoming smile will be missed.
Rest in peace my friend.
Peter Campanelli
Cambridge Specialty Co.
Sandy and Peter Etzel
February 14, 2023
Dear Judy and the entire Bradway family. We were deeply saddened to hear of your profound loss. I remember how willing Brad was to help me or anyone who asked of his time. His kindness will always be in our memories. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and remember that we love and care about you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Sandy and Peter Etzel
Guy & Karen Brunette and Family
February 13, 2023
Mark and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Brad's passing.
Your Dad had a big heart and he shared his fun-loving spirit with the people he met and befriended along his journey. May he rest in ever-lasting peace.
Wishing you and your family strength and peace at this time and in the days and weeks ahead.
Charlene MacIntyre
February 13, 2023
Mark, Gerry, Martin, Jill and the rest of the LRC crew:
This is heartbreaking news and I am sending hugs to all. There are not enough words to say how much he meant to me. I will always remember all favors he did for me, all our long conversations and how he could make me laugh. RIP Brad.
Francine
February 12, 2023
My friend I often wonder how you are and now i know. We shared great fun singing karaoke at the local pub and also in your beautiful home. Sorry we lost touch as days passed. You are and were always a kind and giving person, may God have welcomed you with open arms! You
Frank & Sally Healey
February 12, 2023
Mark,
Very sorry for your loss.
David Santacroce
February 12, 2023
I met Bob about 30 years ago. Never forgot him.
Sorry to hear of his passing; condolences to his family.
Mary Hartson
February 11, 2023
Always remember tubing down the Farmington, trips to Haddam island, barn party, and Saturday Night Live.
Cliff White
February 11, 2023
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to the Bradway family. Many happy memories and stories with Brad. We are sure his presence in heaven is as amazing as it was here. He truly will be missed. Rest In Peace.
With all our love, The White Family & Somerset Plastics Co.
Starr
February 10, 2023
I’m so sorry to hear this news. He was fun loving and surely enjoyed life to the fullest. I’ll always remember the setback games at Christmas. I recall him bidding 4 on a bare 5! Somehow he knew his partners had him covered. He made the 4. He is now ever-present. Always watching over. ❤
Kelly Bradway
February 10, 2023
Missing you, Dad B... stay close by us all, okay? Love you
Chris Jaeger
February 10, 2023
So glad to have had the opportunity to meet and converse with Brad. He and his crew have been a joy to work with these past ten years. He has always treated us like family. I respected his philosophy of helping other people in business succeed. He is a treasure that certainly left a lasting impression on many. Rest in peace Brad.
Christopher Dupont
February 10, 2023
As a young man growing up Bob always made me feel part of his extended family and friends while hanging out at the Cottage. My prayers and condolences go out to his family.....
February 10, 2023
I'm sorry to hear of Brad's passing. He was always humorous and pleasant when I spoke with him over the years to discuss business. We have had the utmost respect for Light Rigging and the work they have done for our customers. Please accept condolences from all of us at Methods Machine Tools that had the pleasure of working with him over the years. God Speed Brad- Patty McShera, Methods Machine Tools
John Gotch Scan Tool & Mold Inc.
February 10, 2023
Brad, you will be sorely missed. It was always a pleasure to call Light Rigging and talk to you when we needed something moved. I looked forward to chatting about business and other things with you. Rest in Peace my friend.
Linda & Ron Wallace
February 10, 2023
Dear Judy and family, We were devastated to hear of Bob's passing. He was such a kind gentleman. So thoughtful and a good friend! As you know, we have known Bob since school (Class of 1961). My greatest memory of him was when I (Linda) had back surgery and I spent 6 weeks in the Cobalt Rehab Center. He sent me lunches each week with you delivering them or one of his workers. He will never know how much I appreciated that. That was extremely kind, thoughtful, and in full character of how Bob lived his life...helping others. He will forever be in our hearts. I have notified our classmates and am so sad we will not be able to attend his services as we are in Florida. I am sure he will know we will be there in our hearts. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Thinking of you and sending prayers, Linda & Ron
Paul Gaffney
February 10, 2023
Brad, you were always kind and generous. We will all miss your humor and stories as well as the many vehicles you've collected over the years. It has been a pleasure and honor to know you. You will be missed.
Mark Kujawski
February 10, 2023
Rest in Peace Bob. You gave a piece of your Heart to everyone you met. Thank you for the wisdom you shared with me. Special memories of Christmas at the house on Hidden lake. God Bless you ❤
Robin White
February 10, 2023
Brad you will be sorely missed by all in your "family". The nickname "Birdie" will never sound the same as it did when you called me that! My heart is broken but at the same time happy you are at peace. The world has lost a man of great presence. RIP my friend - until we meet again.
Gerry Mechachonis
February 10, 2023
Rest in peace my dear friend
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
3 Silver Street, Middletown, CT 06457
Make a Donation
in Robert Bradway's name
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Bradway's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more