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We are saddened to report on the passing of Paul M. Bradley, Jr. a noted highly decorated World War II hero and architect who was also devoted to the lighthouse preservation cause, especially through his pen and ink artwork which he shared with many. Paul passed away in his sleep at the age of 92 on January 19, 2014. Over the years his artwork often appeared in the pages of Lighthouse Digest as well as the Keeper’s Log. He was a member of several lighthouse groups and sat on the Board of Directors of the Florida Lighthouse Association and the Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society. He was once named Keeper of the Quarter of the U.S. Lighthouse Society.
During World War II he served as a sergeant in General Patton’s 3rd Army (353rd Infantry, 89th Division) and was wounded crossing the Rhine River. After the war he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara, and he eventually opened his own architectural firm in 1953. In 1972 while on vacation in Maine, he visited and photographed the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse, which is also known as “Two Lights,” and as he said, “I was then caught with the lighthouse bug.” From thereon out, his vacations always included lighthouses. Eventually his lighthouse pen and ink artwork appeared on note cards in museum gift shops across the country.
His wife, Barbara, preceded him in death. Paul Bradley Jr. was a friend to all, one who was always willing, especially through his artwork, to share his love and passion for lighthouse preservation. Although he sketched other buildings, historical sites, and even World War II era airplanes, lighthouses were his passion. In talking of lighthouses, Paul once said, “While each one has a historical story of its own, they are all a bigger part of our history.”
Shown here are just a few of Paul’s many lighthouse artworks that he shared with us over the years. He will be sadly missed. Our condolences go out to his family and friends. His artwork, which is his legacy, will live on forever, and we shall always be grateful. It was a pleasure to have known him. May he rest in peace.
This story appeared in the
Mar/Apr 2014 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. The print edition contains more stories than our internet edition, and each story generally contains more photographs - often many more - in the print edition. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.
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