BRADLEY

Michael J. Bradley was the fifth of five children born to William J. and Jeanne M. (LeCompte) Bradley.  Raised in the East Torresdale section of Northeast Philadelphia, Michael attended Roman Catholic High School, where he played soccer and ice hockey, graduating in 1998.  He earned his BA from Fordham University and his MFA from Rosemont College.

Michael was an Adjunct Professor at multiple institutions, including Drexel University, Temple University, Chestnut Hill College, Holy Family University, Coast Community College, North Orange County Community College, and Rancho Santiago Community College.  He divided his time between Center City Philadelphia and Huntington Beach, CA.

Michael's passion was English literature.  On many evenings, he could be found relaxing with a good book and a perfectly brewed cup of tea as the picture of contentment.  Michael was one of the few people who selected and navigated his career led by his own interests and compass.

Michael loved the written word and shared his passion with his students.  As an educator, he enjoyed challenging and encouraging his students to rise above conventional theories and interpret literature from their own perspectives.

Michael was also a global student, traveler, philosopher, humorist, raconteur, and bon vivant.  He dispensed nicknames, tall tales, and aliases with ease.  He enjoyed fine cuisine, exotic women, and premium beer and wine.

Michael enjoyed the cinema, especially the oeuvre of Wes Anderson.  No late night film screening with Michael would be complete without a "kaj maj paraj" pizza order that included a generous sampling from the menu.  Michael also had a penchant for inspiring others with 1980s pop music.

Michael was an aficionado of the Philadelphia Flyers, Eagles, Phillies, and Sixers.  He enjoyed Premier League and World Cup football.  He practiced yoga and was an avid runner and retro cyclist.  Michael relished his annual trips to Bozman, MD for crabbing and Flyers' games with Olde Tyme Hockey.  He was extremely generous with his resources toward charities and family and friends in need.

Always willing to lend a hand, even with the most Herculean of tasks, Michael died tragically rescuing his family from the wreckage of a destroyed sinking battleship.

Michael is survived by his sisters Helene (Danny) and Dana (Jeff), and brothers Beau (Jana) and Paul (Carrie), as well as beloved nieces and nephews, Alexandra (Pat), Lily, Ronan, Delaney, Chloe, Julia, Lauren, and Luke.

Michael's generosity, savoir faire, humor, and lust for life will be missed by his family, many friends, and former students.  He was predeceased by his parents and brother-in-law (Jeff).

A visitation will be held at the Edward J. Petner Funeral Home at 6421 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19135 on Friday, October 18, 2019 at 6pm.

A memorial service will be held at the Emerald Room, located at 14002 McNulty Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154 on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 11:30am.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to:

The Jeanne M.  Bradley Memorial Fund @ https://socialfundraising.apps.upenn.edu/socialFundraising/jsp/fast.do?fastStart=donate&customApplicationNameOrId=JeanneFund

The National Brain Tumor Society @ https://secure2.convio.net/bts/site/Donation2?df_id=3940&3940.donation=form1