Sterling E Lani Bradley's Obituary
Sterling E Lani Bradley, 84, of Sheffield Village, Ohio went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 25, 2023. He was born August 8, 1939, in Kansas City, Kansas, to the late Earl and Elverna (nee Henning) Bradley.
He started his career at Hallmark in Missouri and then moved to Cleveland to work for American Greetings (A.G.). He retired from A.G. as a production manager after 32 years. Sterling was a gifted designer, inventor, craftsman, and builder, he saw potential in the people and situations around him and was an excellent problem solver, always coming up with unique and innovative solutions and obtained several patents. After retiring from A.G. he worked another 5 years as a manufacturing manager at Arrow International.
Sterling loved the Lord, and his faith was most important to him. He was an advocate for the under-served, disadvantaged, marginalized and those unable to speak for themselves. He was compassionate, empathetic and generous with his time and many talents in both his work and personal life. Sterling was always looking for ways to help and give back to others, utilizing his gifts to discover better, more efficient solutions for every aspect of life.
Sterling was an avid automotive enthusiast. He was very active in Soap Box Derby (SBD) throughout his life. There are many fond SBD memories, initially as a competitor, later mentoring his children and a grandchild, as well as other participants. As a young man he worked on cars and had a 1953 show truck, the “Stuffed Olive”, which was sold as he & Jeannie started their family. He was very proud of his 1953 Ford ½ Ton Pickup Truck, “Peaches & Crème”, which he enjoyed taking to local car shows the past 2 years. He was also a fervent auto racing fan, particularly the Indy 500!
Above all, Sterling adored his family and his favorite days were spent with his wife, children, grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Nyla (nee Bradley) Shepard; and grandson, Bradley James (“BJ”) Ressel.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of almost 63 years (10/7/60), Jeannie Bradley and loving family members to cherish his memory, including; children, Kimberley (David) Ressel and Sterling "Kent" (Sandra Andrews) Bradley; grandchildren, Kirsten Ressel and Cameron (Anna) Ressel; great-grandchildren, Whitaker and Juniper Ressel; numerous nieces and nephews; other extended family members and many dear friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 2:00 to 5:00PM at Wesleyan Meadows. The address is 5400 Meadow Lane Court, Elyria.
Family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sterling’s memory to:
LIFE: A Dementia Friendly Foundation. Website: www.dflife.org,
Email: [email protected],
Phone: 440-935-3506.
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