Ralph L. Bradley, age 81, of Fayetteville, PA, passed away on October 11, 2026, at the Chambersburg Hospital, peacefully surrounded by family. Born February 27, 1945, in Hagerstown, MD, he was the son of the late Rosalie Bradley.
Ralph was a 1961 graduate of South Hagerstown High School. Following graduation from high school, he entered the Air Force, serving in Columbus, Mississippi, and Taipei, Taiwan. He was honorably discharged in 1969 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his military service, he enrolled at Hagerstown Junior College, where he met his Judy. From HJC, he attended Towson State University, majoring in education and earning his bachelor’s degree. He then spent his career teaching elementary students in the Washington County Public Schools. Ralph earned his master’s degree in education from Shippensburg University in 1989, while teaching in Washington County. Ralph attended Mt. Pleasant U.B. Church, where he attended the men’s Bible study. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, gardening, watching movies, Reader’s Digest, and golf. He also assisted with delivery of Meals on Wheels for many years. He was a member of the Chambersburg VFW and Waynesboro Fish and Game.
Ralph is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Judy Bradley, whom he married on March 31, 1974; Three children, Matthew Bradley of Bartonsville, PA; Timothy Bradley (wife Julie) of South Park, PA; and Samantha Leggett-Bradley (wife Ashley) of Fayetteville, PA; grandsons, Jay and Ian Bradley; and two siblings, Jerry Bradley and Paul Bradley (wife Becky). In addition to his mother, Ralph was preceded in death by brothers, Vaughn Bradley, and twin, Ronald Bradley and infant daughter, Stephanie.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 12 noon at Mt. Pleasant United Brethren Church, 2509 Black Gap Rd., Chambersburg, PA 17202, where Pastor Jim Bolich will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the above church. Interment with military honors will follow the service in Lincoln Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, Inc., Chambersburg, PA. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for Ralph’s care to the caring nursing staff at Chambersburg Hospitals’ Intermediate Care unit. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ralph’s name to Meals on Wheels, 43 West Washington St., Chambersburg, PA 17201 and/or the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter, 5051 Letterkenny Rd. West, Chambersburg, PA 17201 or Operation Christmas Child at the above church and address. Online condolences may be offered on Ralph’s page at www.geiselfuneralhome.com.
