On Tuesday, February 18, 2020 our sweet Bradley was given his angel wings much too soon for us and everyone.
Bradley came into Ben and Dawna’s lives almost a month early on April 27, 2002 and was such a wonderful little boy with a cute little round face and a great smile. His brothers, Jason and Tyler loved him so much and always wanted to hold him in their laps and play with him. They were so proud of him when he was around their classmates and scout friends. They may have picked on him, but what brother doesn’t do that.
At St. Mary’s Church of Piscataway, Bradley received the holy sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. He was also an altar server until he was 16 years old. Since his grandmothers and grandfather would pick up Jason and Tyler from school, he would come through the halls at St. Mary’s even before he could attend, and high-five everyone. Bradley soon became known as the “President.”
Bradley received his Eagle Scout rank earlier this month and we were all so proud of him and his accomplishment. His project at Cedarville State Park was a challenge for him last year. With so much rain last Spring it was difficult to get to the trailhead for the Brown trail. He was clearing a mile-long trail of brush and getting the roots cleared from the trail. Since we couldn’t finish last March, Bradley scheduled another day in July to complete it. He did drag his feet on finishing his paperwork and getting it turned in. Nothing new for Bradley. He finally got the paperwork in and then the eagle board was scheduled. I remember asking were you ready and he said, “of course”, although he did ask if they would ask about a knot and said not to worry, they will ask more about your scouting path and the project. He was so proud when he ‘passed’ but still nervous. This was Bradley, always just a little unsure, but no one would know. He always twisted things by making it fun or joking in some way. We all loved this about him and will remember these fun and awkward times.
After Bradley graduated from St. Mary’s, he was accepted into the STI Criminal Justice program at North Point High School where he soon would join the Cross-Country team. He did love Coach Ball and his teammates so much. He loved talking about basketball or cars, mostly cars. He soon became popular and likeable to his fellow classmates. He couldn’t wait to get his drivers license so he could drive himself to work as a lifeguard at North Point High School through Charles County Parks and Recreation. He would also sub at the other pools and recently working at Lackey High School and was aspiring to become the manager this summer. He was able to pass the lifeguard course just one day after just turning 15, which was the youngest age to begin. I remember how he struggled but he wouldn’t give up.
When Bradley wasn’t working, attending scout events or doing homework, he loved playing video games or attending Washington Nationals and Capital games and when he could, loved to attend the Redskins games.
He leaves us to cherish his fond memories with his parents, Ben and Dawna, two brothers: Jason and Tyler; sister-in-law Kaitlin Brown. Along with his grandparents, Roger and Cheri Brown; Joseph and Mary Parker; Uncle MattBrown; Uncle Paul and Aunt Lisa Bennett; Uncle Joe and Aunt Jamie Parker; Uncle William and Aunt Jule and numerous cousins.