Obituary of Thomas William Bradley

Thomas William Bradley

Ballston Lake- Thomas ‘Tom’ William Bradley ‘aka’ Hillbillie or just plain old Billie, 58, of Ballston Lake passed away November 25th, 2021, at home after fighting Colon Cancer for the last five years. The world has lost a truly nice guy, a man who loved his family and friends, he was always willing to help any family, friend or neighbor who needed help.

Born in Schenectady, March 14, 1963, he was the son of the late William ‘Bill’ Bradley and Madeline ‘Maddy’ Salvino Bradley. After graduating from BH-BL in 1981, he stayed in the area and worked for 35 years in the accounting field. His final 15 years he worked at Sunnyview Hospital where he left on medical leave, having made many special friends there.

He married Kathleen Meade in 1988 and they had 2 children whom Tom loved very much, Shaun and Jesse. Tom was able to meet the 2 new lights of his life, his grandchildren who brought him so much joy and happiness, Burke and Grady Herderich. Every weekday morning the boys would come and have breakfast with “Papa” before heading off to daycare.

Tom was a wicked huge Red Sox, Patriots and Bruins fan, he loved most sports. He was happiest when he was hiking in the woods with family and friends, sharing his knowledge of the land and the animals that lived there. Tom enjoyed woodworking, camping with family and friends at Nickerson in Cape Cod, and cooking (especially with his dutch oven on camping trips). He enjoyed going for a paddle in the ADK, fly-fishing/ice fishing in the ADK, hiking in the ADK, hunting in the ADK and camping with his family and friends in the ADK. Heck he just loved the ADK! His two greatest regrets would be not becoming a Ranger in the ADK, and not being able to hike the Northville/Lake Placid trail with his friends Kevin and Mike.

One of Toms greatest joys was Baseball of course, and he was lucky enough to coach Shaun and a group of boys for many years in the BH-BL Jr. Baseball League. He loved sharing his knowledge and love for the game. He had 3 rules, Have fun, Play hard and Good sportsmanship. This group of boys and their parents were very special to him. It was always amazing to me that he could remember every game and every special moment for each boy, and where that game was played. He made Baseball a family affair, teaching Jesse how to keep the Book in the dugout.

He played in the Capital District Seniors Baseball League up until two years ago, playing the catcher on multiple teams. He joined his father and uncles TNT Keglers bowling league at Boulevard Bowl 40 years ago where he enjoyed his Thursday nights at the alley. He especially enjoyed the times when over the years he was joined by family members on his team, brother-in-law Rob, son Shaun and recently his son-in-law Kevin. 

Tom’s greatest joys were spending time with his family. He loved Sunday dinners which included his mother-in-law, Ann Meade and neighbors who would pop over (you know who you are). He loved hanging out with his siblings and cousins reminiscing about their past growing up, and he loved camping with his family and friends. 

Tom was able to participate in his obituary and wanted to thank the many people who have made his life better and who helped him to live his best life, especially over these last 5 yrs. Tom never let his Cancer diagnosis define him or to stop him from doing all the things that he loved to do. Besides his family, he wanted to thank his multiple fellow baseball players, his bowling league friends, his “Angels”, and his three special friends of over 50 yrs. from his days at BH-BL. A special THANK you to The Fellowship Guys, and to the guys whom he shared a 35-year tradition with the Mr. Blues fishing trips in Cape Cod, MA. All of these people and many more brought such joy to his life. There are too many names to write, but you know what group you belong to. Lastly, I would like to thank Annah, his Hospice nurse who Tom had an instant connection with; she was always caring, kind and honest.

Tom always enjoyed traveling the scenic routes whenever possible so he could enjoy all the sights of the world. Being with Tom was always an adventure and never what was expected. This same trait is how Tom lived his life up to the very end, enjoying time with family and friends and looking out the window at the world and finding its surrounding beauty.

Tom was predeceased by his parents Bill and Maddy Bradley, his in-laws Bob and Ann Meade, his beagle Shiloh and his brother-in-law Rob Meade. 

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Kathleen Meade Bradley, son Shaun Bradley, daughter Jesse Herderich (Kevin) and grandchildren Burke and Grady Herderich. His sister Donna Thomas (Gregg), brother John Bradley, cousin/brother Bob Bradley, brother-in-law/friend Kevin Meade (Mary Ann), Tom Meade (Michelle) and nieces and nephews Aubrey, Sarah and Ethan Thomas, Bryan (Renee) and Chris (Bree) Meade, Travis, Sierra and Bradley Meade, Michael, Kelly and Laura Meade.

Calling hours for Tom will be held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, from 4 to 7pm at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville. There will be a Celebration of Life at Glenville Funeral Home the following day, December 2, 2021, at 10am. Please come and share your favorite Tom Bradley memory and come wearing your flannel apparel or your favorite Sports team shirt/hat because we all know that is what Tom would want. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Tom’s name may be made to ADK.org or to the BHBL Junior Baseball League at PO Box 444, Burnt Hills, NY 12027.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.glenvillefuneralhome.com.