Gerald F. “Jerry” Bradley, age 87, of Chelsea, MI, passed away at his home on July 4, 2021. He was born in Detroit, MI on October 17, 1933, the son of Joseph and Frances (Rakowsky) Bradley. Jerry attended high school at St. Philip Neri and Cass Tech in Detroit. He became a Benedictine Monk, and later an ordained Catholic Priest. In 1969, he received dispensation from the priesthood, and in 1970, he married Rose Anne (Heck) in Detroit, MI. He earned his Master's degree in Library Science from the University of Michigan, and he worked as a librarian for the Detroit Public Library. He then worked for over 40 years for Northwestern Mutual Life as an insurance sales agent, working in Detroit and later in Ann Arbor.
Jerry had a love of reading and sharing of books. He delighted in long discussions on any topic. He also enjoyed doing needlepoint. Most of all he was devoted to his family, and he enjoyed spending time with his seven grandchildren.
Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Rose Bradley, as well as their children, Charles (Claire) Bradley, Daniel (Erin) Bradley, Brendan Bradley, and Mary Bradley; seven grandchildren: Tigerlily, Kasmira, Aruna, Conor, Corbin, Elias, and Bo; and three brothers, Frank (Ann) Bradley of Grosse Pointe Shores, Jim (Diane) Bradley of Shelby Twp., and Tom (Glenda) Bradley of Baxter, TN. He was preceded in death by his youngest son, Joseph G. Bradley, and his youngest brother, Joseph W. Bradley.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 12, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner presiding. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., also at church on Monday from 10-11 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Arbor Hospice Foundation, the St. Louis Center, or the Children of Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota (make checks payable to Rose Bradley).
