Bradley John Shirey

With sadness in our hearts, we announce the passing of Bradley John Shirey, who left us on October 6, 2025, at the age of 56. Born on November 16, 1968, Bradley was a caring soul whose warmth and playful spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A proud graduate of Beall High School in 1987, Bradley's life was marked by a spirit of joy and an adventurous heart. He found great fulfillment working at Friends Aware in the woodshop and doing maintenance at Western MD Hospital. He touched the lives of many with his work ethic and compassionate nature. Outside of work, Bradley was passionate about bowling, participating in five leagues and achieving an impressive high game of 287. Each strike echoed his tenacity and love for the sport, a true testament to his competitive spirit. He was a 30 year member of the Frostburg Elks where everyone knew him. Bradley also had a love for sports, notably represented by his unforgettable journey to Durham, North Carolina,  here he proudly played centerfield for The Special Olympics softball team, earning a memorable homerun. Brad also had a deep love for football. He was a faithful follower of Beall High football long before he ever attended school there and long after his graduation.

He could be seen in the stands at nearly every game with his family for almost 40 years. He loved watching football on TV with his family as well, especially rooting on the Steelers with pizza and wings in front of him. His diverse interests extended to rebuilding a 1997 Jeep Wrangler with his father, Bruce, an accomplishment that symbolized his need for a sense of purpose and desire to spend time with family. Whether cutting grass on his beloved John Deere tractor or sharing laughter with friends and family, Bradley lived life to the fullest. Brad never met a stranger and treated everyone in town as a friend. He knew the name of just about every person, and they all knew Brad as well.

He is survived by his devoted parents, Bruce and Mary Shirey, whose love, patience, understanding, and support nurtured him throughout his life; his big sister Lesa Hughes, who was by his side through his entire life as a friend, protector, and advocate, especially in the last 5 years as his guardian, and his little sister Gina Wilson who challenged him, annoyed him and loved him. His nieces and nephews, Taylor Broadwater and Husband, Andrew, Brant Hughes and wife Lawren, Kage McMahon and wife Erin and Alexis, Alissa, and Brock Wilson as well as several great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held to honor Bradley’s memory, providing family and friends a chance to celebrate the remarkable life he lived on Monday, October 13th, 2025, from 4 to 7 pm. Words will be shared at 7 pm by Rev. Jim Jeffries.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Brad's honor can be made to, Friends Aware, 1601 Holland Street, Cumberland, MD or to, Special Olympics, through their online donation portal.