Philip S. Bradford

Philip S. Bradford, 93 years young, passed away peacefully early in the morning of October 4, 2014 in Gautier, MS. He was born in New York City on March 13, 1921, the son of immigrant parents from Slovakia. The family moved to Lindenhurst, L.I., NY where he and his siblings grew up. He was very proud of his Slovak heritage, and was proud to be an American. Philip enlisted in the U.S. Navy in his early years and served in the Pacific during WWII as part of the Torpedo Squadron VT-17. "Breezy", as he was known, was stationed on board the U.S.S. Bunker Hill and U.S.S. Hornet. During war time, he married the love of his life, Alice J. Bradford (Nee Gordon) and moved to Chicago after the war. He was then employed as a salesman for Coty, Inc. After being transferred to Minneapolis for a few years, he and his family settled in Skokie, IL. Philip eventually was employed by Chanel, Inc. and retired as Vice President of the Midwest Region. He was a long time member of B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge #1526 in Des Plaines, IL. He enjoyed bowling in his earlier years, was an avid golfer, worked out at the gym 3-4 days a week until he was 90, and was a natural on the dance floor. During the last 2 years he was fortunate to be able to travel with Mississippi Gulf Coast Honor Flight and visit Washington, D.C. to see the WWII Memorial. He was also able to visit the National WWII Museum/New Orleans, both of which were high on his "bucket list", but most of all he loved spending time with his family. Philip was preceded in death by his parents, Filip and Bernardina Brezovsky; brothers, Eugene Brent and Alfred Brezovsky; and wife, of 50 years, Alice J. Bradford. He is survived by his sister, Beverly Emery (John) of Douglaston, NY; daughters, Jane Lewis of Gautier, MS; and Carole Burton (Robert) of Castroville, CA; grandchildren, Christopher Lewis (Shannan) of Ocean Springs, MS, Suzanne Welsh (Michael) of Pascagoula, MS and Julia Burton of Salinas, CA; 4 great granddaughters; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Liz Morrison of Southern Care Hospice, and Elnora Lawrence and staff at Harmony Personal Care Home for their loving care provided at the end of Philip’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations in Philip’s name may be made to Southern Care Hospice, 8195a Woolmarket Road, Biloxi, MS 39532, or to the National WWII Museum/New Orleans, 945 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70130. A private memorial service will be held at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi, MS at a later date. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe is in charge of arrangements.