Obituary of Allen R. Bradley

Allen R. Bradley, age 94, formerly of Oreland, PA, passed away peacefully at home on March 26th. He was born in Philadelphia as an only child to Flora H. Bradley and A. Russell Bradley. He was the loving husband of Grace Bradley for 73 years who preceded him in death in February. 

As a child, Allen attended Logan Demonstration School, Cooke Junior High and graduated from Olney High School in 1947 where he was a member of the Acapella Choir. He began to work at the age of 11 at Ringers Drug Store, first delivering prescriptions by bike, then working the soda fountain and eventually supervising a staff of 18. He attended Temple University for 1 year, spent 9 years continuing studies at the American Institute of Banking, 3 years at Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University and 3 years at the New Jersey Bankers Association Data Processing School. He was a faculty member at the Pennsylvania Bankers Association at Bucknell University for 21 years. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Philadelphia Depository Trust Company and the Stock Clearing Corporation of Philadelphia.

He met Grace in 1948 when they worked together at First Pennsylvania Bank and they were married in 1950 at Oak Lane Presbyterian Church. As a child Allen attended Baptist Temple and joined Oak Lane in 1951. They moved to Oreland in 1955 and raised their 4 children.  He served on the Oreland Town Watch for 23 years and was a Little League umpire. Allen’s love of baseball began as a young boy culminating in trying out for the St. Louis Browns (now the Baltimore Orioles) at the age of 17. He was a lifelong Phillies fan and he and Grace always looked forward to attending Spring Training.

At Oak Lane Presbyterian Church, Allen served in numerous capacities in 70 years as a member. He was a Deacon, Trustee, Elder, and Clerk of Session for many years. He was also Treasurer for 30 years, Sunday School teacher, youth group leader, usher, member of the choir, gospel choir and played in the bell choir. He served on 3 pastoral nominating committees as well as being a Trustee of Presbytery. In his years at Ann’s Choice he served on Protestant Council several times. He also sang in the Ann’s Choice Chorus and the Chapel Choir. He was involved in the Interfaith Council, Helping Hands, Railroad Club and the Olney alumni group. He also served as the Treasurer for the Hunsberger Family Association for many years. Allen’s first love was the Olney High School Acapella Choir. If he could relive a part of his life, it would be that time. 

After 44 years in banking, Allen retired and they purchased a summer home in Ocean City, NJ, where they enjoyed 25 summers on the bay with family and friends. In 2003 they moved to Ann’s Choice, where they were honored to be ribbon cutting pioneers as one of the very first residents. 

Allen was preceded in death by his wife Grace and their eldest son, Mark. He is survived by his children Barbara Karcher (Jim), Paul (Ann), and Amy Wuillermin (Jerry); his 9 grandchildren, Jimmy, Greg (Ashley), Keith (Kim), Daniel (Vicki) Karcher, Bob (Cecelia), Sean (Stephanie), Corey Bradley, John and Grace Wuillermin; 5 great grandchildren, Dylan, Lindsey, Shilah, Lance and Lucas; 1 great great grandchild Aubrey; 2 grand nephews Steve (Sara) and Chris, and 1 great nephew Jonathan Young.

Allen’s celebration of life service will be held at the Ann’s Choice Chapel at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 28th with a reception to follow in the multipurpose room. Donations can be made in his memory to the Ann’s Choice Benevolent Care Fund, 20000 Ann’s Choice Way, Warminster, PA 18974 or use this link. Online donation for Benevolent Care Fund. The family would also welcome a donation to a charity of your choosing.