Remembering Craig Bradley
Craig Bradley moved to Hopatcong in 1962 and since then had become an active member of a variety of organizations around the lake. His death on Saturday was both shocking and heartbreaking to many in the lake community. Bradley, 70, died in an accident at home. He leaves behind his wife, Marge, and a large family of stepchildren and stepgrandchildren—but also many friends. Below, members of three of the organizations that Bradley was an integral part of—the Lake Hopatcong Antique and Classic Boat Club, the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum, and the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club—reflect on a man who quietly helped wherever he could, supported those who needed him, and shared a passion for Lake Hopatcong.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting on Wednesday from 1 to 5 p.m. at Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, Landing. A private burial will be held Thursday in the Seaside Cemetery in Palermo, and a memorial service will be held in the spring at the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club.
To read Bradley's obituary in the Daily Record, click here.
"Craig Bradley will be deeply missed by his friends in the Antique Boat Club as well as the entire Lake community. As I write this today, Nov 7, it is a beautiful warm November day. Just the kind of day I would expect to see Craig out for a ride in his pride and joy “Redwing” a 1949 25’ Chris Craft Sportsman. Most years Craig’s “Redwing” would be the first in and last out, with Craig sharing rides with his many friends and his favorite crew, Marge. In recent years, no Sunday morning would be complete without Craig using Redwing to monitor the Sunday sailboat races. Craig purchased “Redwing” in 1975 from Wayne Mocksfield and the boat is a regular at our annual boat show. Craig and Marge rarely missed a club event. Craig knew what it meant to own an antique wooden boat, he used his boat, shared it with friends and family, and found joy in every ride. I thought of him today on my ride, wishing I could see him power by. He will be missed by the members of the Lake Hopatcong Antique Boat Club." —Bob Kays, Lake Hopatcong Antique and Classic Boat Club
"Craig Bradley was a long-time trustee of the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum. More than that he was a good friend to our organization and its members. He was always ready to help - whether it was doing a tour of Hopatcong with high school kids, moving boxes when the museum flooded, or taking a guest speaker out for a boat tour of the lake. However, what we will miss most about Craig is that he was a genuinely nice person with a deep love for the lake, its history and traditions." —Marty Kane, Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum president
"It is with great personal sadness that I relay the sudden passing of long time LHYC member Craig Bradley. It is rare that we call someone a "fixture" in an organization, but for sure that is the only word that fits Craig's relationship with LHYC. Craig was not only a member and a leader, serving on the Board of Trustees numerous times, but for over more than 50 years, since he was a teenager, Craig was a constant around the clubhouse and among its members. Rarely was one at the club for even a short while and not see Craig walking up the dock from one of his many Chris Crafts over the years. Also, as the skipper of HO-13 for over 50 years, Craig was known as the consummate gentleman on the race course, as well as encouraging young sailors of all ages right up until his passing. He will be missed both on and off the water. It goes without saying that are thoughts and prayers are with his wife Marge over these difficult days." —Announcement from Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club Commodore James Flinn
Craig behind the wheel of Redwing with his beloved Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club in background. (Photo by Bob Kays)
