BELFAST – John Edwin “Eddie” Bradstreet, 97, passed away Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, at his home. Ed was born Sept. 1, 1915, in Freedom, the only son of Herbert and Maenon (Whitaker) Bradstreet.
After graduating from Freedom Academy in 1933, Ed attended Farmington Normal School and then taught school for three years. Ed went on to School of Commerce, Auburn, and then moved to Belfast, where he spent the rest of his career working for Belfast Motor Express, Scott Transportation, The Republican Journal, MacLeod Poultry Co., Penobscot Poultry and Maplewood Poultry, in an accounting role. Ed left Belfast only to serve in the U.S. Army as a member of the Americal Division during World War II. He was stationed in the Pacific area from 1942 until 1946, making Ed was one of the longest serving soldiers in the war. Ed was an active member of the Belfast community serving as a Red Cross first aid instructor, president of Little League Association, emergency medical technician for Belfast Ambulance, Sunday school teacher at First Church, and county treasurer. Ed was also a member of Phoenix Lodge, American Legion, and Dirigo Grange of Freedom for more than 50 years.
Ed was predeceased by his wife, Hazel (Tibbetts); and sisters, Doris, Arlene and Francis. Ed is survived by his sister, Barbara Scott; son, Dennis; daughter, Diane and husband, Mike; four granddaughters, Darci and husband, Fred Berry, Alison and husband, John Segalla, Amanda, and Bo; daughter-in-laws, Laurel Maddocks and Susan Bradstreet; and many special friends, including the crew at Dockside Family Restaurant, members of First Church Belfast and Calvary Chapel, Belfast.
Family and friends are invited to visit 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at First Church, Belfast, where a celebration of Ed’s life will begin 10 a.m. with the Revs. Kate Winters and Joel Kruger officiating. An interment will take place after the service beginning 11:45 a.m. at Morrill Village Cemetery with the Rev. Storm Gould officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Church Belfast, 8 Court St., Belfast, ME 04915; or a church of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.ripostafh.com.
John Edwin ‘Eddie’ Bradstreet
