John Matthew Bradley, 1954 – 2025, civil engineer

John Matthew Bradley of Waltham passed away peacefully on Wednesday afternoon, August 20, surrounded by his loving family at the Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln. He was 71 years old.

Born on May 6, 1954, in Newton, MA, John was the son of the late Joseph G. Bradley and Jacquelyn (Maynard) Bradley. He was raised and educated in Newton and later spent seven years in Wilmington, Vermont, before making Waltham his home for the past 43 years.

John graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1972. He began his studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, and went on to earn his degree in engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. He later continued his education and received a doctorate in law from New England School of Law, though his professional life remained dedicated to engineering.

John’s career in civil engineering began with the Boston Water & Sewer Commission, where he dedicated much of his professional life. He also served the City of Waltham as an Engineer, worked with Tetra Tech Rizzo Associates in Framingham, and later joined MassDOT, retiring in December of 2019.

In his younger years, while living in Vermont, John was proud to serve his community as a member of the Wilmington Police Department and as a volunteer with the Wilmington Fire Department.

Despite being legally blind, John pursued his many passions with talent and determination. He was a gifted craftsman, creating wooden toys and trucks by hand, and tended with great care to his award-winning hybrid roses in his garden. He had a special love for the Christmas season, transforming his home into a holiday wonderland with a light display admired by his neighbors. John also enjoyed fishing and spending time at his cottage in Wells, Maine, where he found peace and joy.

Always fondly described by his loving wife as a beautiful man, John will be remembered as a kind, quiet and humble man, whose gentle humor, resilience and warmth inspired everyone around him. He never complained, and his presence brought light and comfort to those fortunate enough to share in his life.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years Kathleen H. (McKenney) Bradley; loving brother of Mary Braxton and her husband JW of Framingham; Elizabeth Battaglino of Marlborough; Richard Bradley and his wife Alisa of Framingham; Geralyn Bradley of Norwood; Laurie Bradley of Norwood; the late Joseph L. Bradley and his wife Loetta Bradley of Framingham; proud uncle of Hannah, Krista, Meghan, Jacquelyn, Kelly, Nicole, Erin, Benjamin, Alexander, Joseph, Jonathan, Matthew, Christopher and Michael; devoted son-in-law Helen McKenney of Cambridge; and brother-in-law of Maureen McKenney of Marlborough; Karen McKenney of FL; Joan Duffy and her husband Walter of NC; Janet Falone and her husband Edward of Mattapoisett; and the late John McKenney and his wife Jeanette McKenney of RI; and his dear aunt Helen Watson of Norwood. In addition, he is survived by many cousins and numerous close friends.

Those who wish to pay their respects to John and his family can do so in the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody St., Waltham, on Thursday August 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. For those who wish to pay their final respects, but are unable to attend, please be sure to sign the guestbook at www.BrascoFuneralhome.com. Parking attendants will be on duty.

Family and friends are welcome to gather and celebrate John’s life to remember the love and friendship he shared with so many others in his lifetime during a sharing of memories and personal remembrances that will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons Memorial on Thursday evening August 28, followed by a memorial service at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in John’s memory to the Opportunities for Inclusion, at oppsforinclusion.org or the Newton-Wellesley Hospital at nwh.org annual giving.