WILLIAM STANDISH BRADFORD
DECEMBER 29, 1933 - NOVEMBER 9, 2023

William “Bill” Standish Bradford passed away peacefully in his 90th year in Marion Massachusetts. He was the loving father of three children, Laura, Stan and Jamie.

Born on December 29, 1933, in Hampstead Heath, England to American parents William and Helen Bradford. Bill spent his childhood on Cape Cod and in southern Massachusetts. He attended the Taft School and graduated from Tabor Academy. At Boston University he received a degree in English. Bill was an avid athlete, excelling in wrestling, sailing and football while in prep school. In his later years, he loved tennis, road races, water skiing and most outdoor activities. As a young father, his favorite activity was playing “Roof-Ball” with his children. As he got older, he could be found hiking, jogging on the beach with his beloved dog Jasper or riding his bike around Ocean Drive in Newport.

As a child, Bill’s summers were often spent with his grandfather (writer Thornton Burgess) at Laughing Brook in Hamden, Massachusetts. It was here that Bill discovered his passion for the natural environment, and perhaps where he began his absolute love of dogs. Bill enjoyed acting and was involved with the Marion Art Center and the Newport Playhouse where he honed his skills. Bill had a unique ability to connect with people, he was loved by those around him.

Bill was predeceased by his brother and his three sisters, Robert, Frannie, Rosemary and Jeannie. He was cared for by his daughter Laura Zell and leaves behind two beloved grandchildren Alexa and Will. Bill also leaves behind two sons, Stan and Jamie Bradford of Marion.

A private memorial service will be held in Marion. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to the Thornton Burgess Society in Sandwich Massachusetts (www.thorntonburgess.org/donate) or the Mass Audubon Society – Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary (www.massaudubon.org)

Arrangements by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham. To leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com