Donald E. "Blender" Bradford

Donald E. "Blender" Bradford, 82, of Heath Street, Newport, RI, died on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at home with his family at his side.Donald was born on January 8, 1933 to William H. Bradford and Martha (Weston) Bradford. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Eleanor and Constance Bradford, niece, Nicole Bradford; and is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Zelma Y. (Rosemond) Bradford, his sister, Audrey Frazier, and his brother, William Bradford, Sr., all of Newport, RI; sisters-in-law, Catherine Daniels of Palm Coast, FL, Ima Horn of Atlanta, GA, Irene R. Jenkins of Jacksonville, FL, brother-in-law, Wendell Rosemond, Sr. of Jacksonville, FL, niece and Goddaughter, Morgan Frazier Eley of Stoughton, MA, niece, Deborah Allawi of Stafford, VA, and nephews, William Bradford, Jr. and Troy Bradford of Newport, RI.After attending Rogers High School, Donald enlisted in the US Air Force in 1951 and served four years, mostly in Okinawa, Japan. On returning home, he worked as a cook for the Newport Naval Hospital for 33 years retiring in 1988. After a year of boredom, Donald returned to the workforce and went to work for JC Penney in the custodian/maintenance department, where he stayed for 10 years. He then went on to work as custodian at the Boys Girls Club of Newport. Wherever he worked, he drew people to him with his dedication to the job, his great sense of humor, steadfastness and love of people, especially children. Many of the neighborhood kids grew up calling him Uncle Donald and still think of him that way.Donald took great joy in cooking and cake decorating, entertaining family and friends, and listening to Jazz. He was an avid football fan, especially the New England Patriots, and had a great collection of Patriot hats.He leaves a host of family and friends who will miss him greatly.Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 from 10-11 am in Community Baptist Church, 50 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd., Newport, RI, followed by the funeral service at 11 am in the church.Burial with military honors will be private.In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Community Baptist Church Building Fund, 50 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd., Newport, RI 02840 or to VNS Hospice of Newport Bristol Counties, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871. Cemetery Details Private AK, Visitation MAR 3. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Community Baptist Church 50 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard Newport, RI, US, 02840 Service MAR 3. 11:00 AM Community Baptist Church 50 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard Newport, RI, US, 02840