West Boylston

Thomas W. Bradley, beloved husband, brother and father, passed away suddenly at home. He was 72 years old. At the time of his passing, Tom was where he was the happiest, in his studio, surrounded by his many pieces of pastel artwork, which he created over the years. Tom had an innate skill for creating award-winning pieces in pastel media, much of which was self-taught at an early age. He was a member and past president of the Leominster Art Association and a recipient of numerous awards, a testament to his talent.

Born in Worcester and raised in Northborough, Tom was the eldest of seven children to Henry and Dorothy (Hunter) Bradley. He was a 1970 graduate of Algonquin Regional High School and studied Horticulture at UMass Amherst. Tom, as a young teenager, took a job at Bigelow Nursery to help support his family. From there, he continued to Emanouil, Inc. where he was a dedicated employee for 35 years, serving as the Lead Estimator and Vice President. Tom was looking forward to slowing down and retiring in a few years, with plans to travel with Elaine, his wife, to photograph and create more art to share.

Additionally, for several years in his mid-twenties, Tom joined the Northborough Police Department as a Special Police Officer. He was determined and proud to help protect the town.

On top of his artistic nature, Tom was an avid NASCAR fan and collector of die-cast and plastic automobile models. He collected them for many years and was always willing to show them to his family on Holidays.

While portraying the quiet and sometimes hard persona, Tom had the soft heart of a teddy bear. He enjoyed seeing his family together and as the family historian sharing his research and findings. On Christmas, Tom would surprise his siblings with special hand-crafted gifts such as custom ornaments. And although he would deny it, Tom was a Hallmark Channel buff, a pastime he and his wife Elaine would enjoy together.

Surviving Tom is his devoted wife of 18 years, Elaine F. (Staruk) Bradley; five siblings, Doreene Bradley of Lancaster, Charles Bradley and companion Fay Weber of Hartland, VT, Anne Roy and husband David of Harwich, Henry Bradley of Northborough and Nancy Bradley of Shrewsbury and a daughter, Erin Bradley of NH. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sandra Bradley. Tom also leaves his miniature schnauzer Charlie who was a constant companion to Tom.

Calling hours will be held 4-7 p.m. on Friday, May 16, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. Tom's funeral will take place in the funeral home at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 17. Burial will follow in Howard Street Cemetery, Northborough.

In lieu of flowers, Tom's wife and family respectfully request memorial donations be directed to Wounded Warrior Project ( www.woundedwarriorproject.org )

To leave a condolence for Tom's family, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.