Peacham, VT, Rev. Neil Hathaway Bradley, Sr, (Lt., US Navy RRet.), 89, died unexpectedly on February 11, 2010, at DePaul Hospital, Norfolk, VA. He was born June 9, 1920, in Lowell, MA, a son of Henry Willard Bradley, Sr. and Emma Elizabeth (O'Neill) Bradley.

He joined the Vermont National Guard in 1938 and in 1939 entered the US Navy and became a test pilot. He spent twenty-one years in the Navy with training in aviation and electronics and retired as a Lieutenant in September 1959. He was the only Vermont resident to earn his flying wings as an enlisted man during World War II.

Neil later became a pastor in the Baptist ministry and was the founder of the East Peacham Baptist Church, where he pastored until his retirement.

He was a member of the Masonic Order and Scottish Rite Body, and the Order of the Eastern Star where he served as Past Patron and Grand Representative in Texas.

He was a former member of the Silver Eagles Association, Fleet Reserve Association, and the Retired Officer's Association. Neil also belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars in St. Johnsbury, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and was a 50 + year member of the Grange.

He attended the Union Baptist Church in Waterford.

He was married to the former Frances Morris on January 1, 1941 and she predeceased him on January 5, 1996, as did his brother Henry Willard Bradley, Jr., on January 12, 2005.

Survivors include three children, Marion Elizabeth Smith and husband Henry K. Smith, Jr., of Chesapeake, VA, Neil H. Bradley, Jr., of Norfolk, VA, and Gary H. Bradley and wife Marianne of Vincent, OH; four grandchildren and four great grandchildren four great great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.