Henry L. Bradshaw, Jr.

Henry Lewis Bradshaw, Jr., loving husband, wonderful father, best big brother and uncle, greatest grandfather, dependable friend, foodie, and affable taxman passed away on May 4, 2018 at the age of 75. Right now, Henry is “fair-to-middling”. Henry was the one you could always count on…even until the very end. He would share whatever he had, especially his opinion. He told the longest stories that ultimately had a lesson hidden within; if you listened closely you would receive it. Sometimes, he would simply tell it to you plainly. Why waste time?       

                                                                                                                                                   He was a gregarious man who loved his wife and children immensely. Henry’s bride, Helen, of 50 years quietly balanced out that gruff but loving personality. Surprisingly, he was the good cop when it came to raising and disciplining his daughters Charmaine, Earline, and Barbara. Even after they left the nest, he remained a “softy”. They could count on him to help them build a deck or redesign a kitchen on his time off from his multiple jobs and responsibilities. Henry always found the time and the energy.

Henry will be dearly missed. He touched so many people throughout his life. His passions included picking out fruits, vegetables and flowers, especially those he didn’t actually plant; enjoyed bowling with the same league for decades; and often adopted random adults / children and claimed they were his kids. His work with the Connecticut Minority Guard Association and his stewardship at Bethel AME Church are examples of his commitment to others. God has blessed many with His servant, Henry.

                                                                                                                                              Today we celebrate the multitude of contributions Henry has made throughout his life. Whether, in his service in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War or the CT Army National Guard; or the decades spent focusing on safety and quality assurance at Pratt & Whitney; or in the Hartford community where he supported, encouraged and advocated for everyone he encountered in need.

In addition to his wife and daughters, Henry L Bradshaw Jr., is survived by his sister Lois Ruffner, grandchildren Adia, Taylor, Brandyn, Bridjette, Imani, and Kaiya, great grandchild Zoë, several nieces, nephews, half-sisters and his son-in-law Terrell. He will remain in our hearts and memories. May we all continue to labor and serve like Brother Henry.

  In lieu of flowers please make donations to the The Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center located at UConn Health. https://uconn.networkforgood.com/causes/1219-neag-comprehensive-cancer-center-fund

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