John R. Bradford

    Bradford, John R., 77, November 14, 2011.  Arrangements by Bowers Funeral Home, Houlton.  Interment held in the Tapley Cemetery, Blaine.
    HOULTON – John R. Bradford, 77, died Nov. 14, 2011, in Bangor. He was born March 12, 1934, in Charleston, son of Merle S. and Ellen (McBride) Bradford.
    John grew up on a dairy farm in Charleston and graduated from Higgins Classical Institute. After graduation he joined the U.S. Air Force, serving his four years in Korea and at Presque Isle Air Force Base. He was a life member of Frazier Post No. 2599 Veterans of Foreign Wars, Presque Isle. He worked several jobs in the area until he started working as a U.S. custom inspector, retiring after 30 years at Houlton Port of Entry.
    John was a dedicated 55-year Mason, raised in Silver Leaf Lodge, Charleston, affiliating with Aroostook Lodge, Mars Hill, and was a past master. He was a honorary member of Monument Lodge, Houlton. He was also a member of Anah Shriners, Bangor, and was a life member of Aroostook Shrine Club, Presque Isle. He also belonged to Order of the Eastern Star in Friendship Chapter, Mars Hill, affiliated with Fidelity Chapter, Houlton, and at the present time was a member of Luna Chapter, Presque Isle. He was a Rainbow Dad for Mars Hill International Order for Rainbow Girls.
    John loved to snowsled, hunt with friend, David Grant, trap and fish. He was a member of Linneus Snow Club. His special place was his camp on Squa Pan Lake.
    John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Anna (Wiggins) Bradford of Houlton; daughters, Joan Bradford of Vicenza, Italy, and JoAnna Haskell of Deer Isle; granddaughters and husbands, Lisa Cesaretti and David, Christine Davidge and Sam of East Stroudsburg, Pa., Amanda Jay and Marcial, who is now serving in Iraq; grandson, Drew Haskell of Deer Isle; great-grandchildren, Walter Jay II, Madilyn Cesaretti and Tristan John Davidge; sister, April Fogg of Lowell; aunt, Margaret Hunter and Roy of Amity; several nieces, nephews and many cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, an infant brother and a son-in-law.
    Friends called 1-2 p.m. Saturday at Bowers Funeral Home, 10 Water St., Houlton, where a Masonic funeral service was held 2 p.m., conducted by Aroostook Lodge No. 197. Interment was at Tapley Cemetery, Blaine. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to Aroostook Shrine Club, 398 Houlton Road, Presque Isle, ME 04769. For an online memory book and to leave condolence, please visit www.bowersfuneral.com.