Ralph Edwin Bradley

Ralph Edwin Bradley, 93, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, at Cordia Senior Living Community. Born on November 29, 1932, in Augusta, Michigan, Ralph was the son of the late Albert Ferris and Dorothy Jean (Mulvena) Bradley. Ralph moved with his family to Springport, Michigan, where he graduated from Springport High School. Ralph continued his education at Michigan State University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education in 1955 and his Master of Arts degree in Counseling in 1963. Ralph served in the Army from 1955 to 1957 and liked to say that during his time in the Army he fought in “the battle of Connecticut”, where he met and fell in love with his future partner and bride. On July 12, 1958, Ralph became the husband of Jacqueline Creighton in a ceremony at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Milford, Connecticut, after which they moved to Michigan. While living in Muskegon, Michigan, Ralph and Jackie raised their four children and he embarked on his career in education. Ralph and his family moved to Traverse City in 1975, where he continued his work as a teacher, and guidance counselor in the Traverse City Area Public Schools system, and athletic director and coach at both Saint Francis High School and Traverse City Central High School. He retired from teaching and counseling in 1995. Over his career, Ralph coached golf, basketball, and football, in addition to officiating basketball, volleyball, and track and field, which he continued until the mid-2000s, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship and service. Ralph had a strong commitment to education and athletics. He shared his knowledge, discipline, and encouragement with generations of students and student-athletes. He was an active member of the Grand Traverse Area Retired Counselors, the Association of Track Officials of Michigan, the Michigan High School Coaches Associations, and the Michigan High School Athletic Association. He was honored for his contributions to athletics through his induction into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame. A devoted member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ralph served faithfully as a lector and Eucharistic minister. Outside of his professional and volunteer commitments, he found joy in gardening, hiking, and building tree-forts with his grandchildren - interests that reflected his love of teamwork, the outdoors, and family. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and took great pride in attending their high school and college graduations, as well as the many sporting events and performances in which they were involved. Ralph moved to the generous, loving and caring community at Cordia at Grand Traverse Commons in 2022 where he maintained an active social calendar which included playing bridge and euchre, attending exercise classes and discussion groups, and participating in singing and acting performances. He thoroughly enjoyed the many friendships he made there. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, his spouse, Jacqueline; brothers, Roger and Lynn; and sisters, Sally and Allaire. Ralph is survived by his children, Erin Bradley , Matthew Bradley (Rachel Colingsworth), Paul Bradley (Karen Perkette), and Mary Shannon Bradley , his grandchildren, Patricia and Rachel Bradley-Haas (Ben Alred), Creighton (Caitlin Simons), Conor (Kate Nelson) and Catherine Bradley, Jessica (Chad) Helm, Meagan (Kevin) Johnson, Sarah Bradley, Aidan and Patrick Hall, and Alec (Mikaela Brooks) and Michael Bressler, and his great-grandchildren, Stella, Charlie Mae and Blaire Bradley, Caden Bradley, Nicholas and James Helm, Carter and Elise Johnson, and Vivian Bressler. He will be remembered with love and gratitude by his family, friends, former students, colleagues, and all whose lives he touched through his quiet dedication and generous spirit. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 30, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with a time of sharing beginning at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 31, at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with visitation one hour prior. A luncheon will follow the Mass, and burial will take place at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please remember Ralph through memorial contributions, in his name, to any of the following worthy organizations: The Father Fred Foundation Habitat for Humanity The Father Jack (LaGoe) Foundation Fund in Muskegon: The Father Jack Foundation Fund

Ralph Edwin Bradley

November 29, 1932 - December 17, 2025