Robert Jacob Bradley

October 31, 1942   -   June 2, 2025

Robert Jacob Bradley, 82, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with dementia.   

Robert was born at home on October 31, 1942, in South Bend, Indiana, Robert was the beloved son of the late Henry and Leila (Brown) Bradley. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Earl and Wayne Bradley, and his sister, Barb Bradley.  

A proud graduate of Adams High School in South Bend, Robert answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. His years in the Corps instilled in him a lifelong sense of discipline, honor, and patriotism that he carried with pride throughout his life.   

Robert married the love of his life, Debra (Chandler) Bradley, on September 15, 1984, at Calvary Assembly of God Church in Elkhart. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and community.  

Professionally, Robert served in the City of South Bend as a dedicated firefighter, bravely protecting his community. He also worked for the US Post Office. After the US Post Office, Robert went to school for 5 years to be in the South Bend Painters Local 1118 Union, serving 8 years before his retirement.    

Robert was a man of strong character and diverse passions. He loved riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycles, watching classic Westerns and action films—particularly Rambo and Rocky—and traveling to his favorite destinations in Florida and California. But above all, he cherished time spent with his family.  

Robert is survived by his devoted wife of over 40 years, Debra Bradley; daughters Brenda (Bret) Fraschetti and Denise Bradley; and grandchildren Matthew (Jessica Cook), Tony (Ashley Reavis), and Whitney Bradley (Rajinder Singh). He also leaves behind four great-grandchildren: Dominic, Vinny, Armani, and Kaiden.   

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola, Indiana. A celebration of Robert’s life will follow at 2:00 PM, also at the funeral home. 

Robert will be laid to rest with full U.S. Marine Corps graveside honors, rendered by the Elkhart Area Marine Corps League, at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola, IN 46561.  

Memorials may be given in memory of Robert to Center for Hospice Care, Mishawaka, IN  
https://foundationforhospice.org/donate/ 

A faithful servant, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and proud Marine—Robert Jacob Bradley’s legacy of strength, courage, and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.  

 "Semper Fi, Marine. Your watch is over."

To leave a message for the family, please go to Chapelhillmemorial.com

6/05/2025 djb

https://obits.chapelhillmemorial.com/obituary/robert-bradley