Anthony Bradley

Anthony Allen Bradley, 83, of Hickory passed away Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, NC after a period of declining health. Tony was born May 9, 1939, in Cornwall, NY to Francis Anthony Bradley and Elise Crowell (Steel) Bradley. Tony graduated from Monroe-Woodbury Central High School in 1957 and immediately joined the US Navy, where he completed flight training, earned his wings, and piloted helicopters. Remaining on active duty for fourteen years, he held positions in Reconnaissance and Air Intelligence until 1971 when he was released from active duty. He retired from the Active Reserve as Lieutenant Commander. He remained in the Reserves for another 7 years for a total of 21 years of service. A veteran of Vietnam, Tony was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Cuba & Korea), Letter of Commendation, 1st Good Conduct Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal (Cuba), and Presidential Unit Citation.

After retiring from the Navy, Tony and his family moved to Hickory, NC where he pursued his passion for woodworking. He earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Furniture Production Management Technology from Catawba Valley Community College in 1981. Tony worked for several local furniture manufacturers before starting his own sample-building business which he ran for sixteen years. He took on small woodturning and repair jobs until the last few months of his life. Tony was a member of local woodworking and marquetry clubs, serving as president of the North Carolina Woodturners club and the Western Piedmont Woodcrafters club. In his free time, Tony enjoyed reading non-fiction books, woodworking, making miniature furniture, giving presentations, his three cats, feeding the deer and birdwatching at his home in the country, and listening to classical music. At age 81, he began taking piano lessons.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Harold Alexander Bradley (16) in 1983; and his nephew David J. Bradley (16) in 1979. Tony is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Sydney A. Bradley of the home; his daughter Winifred E. Bradley and her partner Steven D. Huffman of Hickory; two granddaughters Daniela Gonzalez Bradley of Spain and Catalina Gonzalez Bradley of Hickory; his brother Terrence E. Bradley and his wife Mary E. Bradley of New Windsor, NY; a niece Susan Bradley of New Windsor, NY; and family friend Margaret Choate of Hickory.

The family is having a Celebration of Life on Monday December 5, 2022 from 3:00-4:30 pm at Caring Cremations at 609 Highland Ave SE, Hickory, NC 28602 followed by a short time to share memories and military rites honoring his service in the Navy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends share a memory, photo or anecdote about Tony in the virtual guestbook or at his memorial service.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.caringcremations.net. The Bradley family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals at 828-855-3350.