Ralph Bradford, father, grandfather, husband, friend, pilot, and adventurer: a man known for his sharp wit and living life to the fullest, was born on November 15, 1928. The world said a sorrowful goodbye to this beloved soul on August 31, 2023. 

Through his living children, Tracy Bradford Lockaby and Lynne Bradford, his life partner Annette DeBernardo, and his large extended family, his lively and wise spirit will continue to thrive.

Ralph left behind an enduring legacy of warmth and love, good memories, and lots of laughter. An educated and accomplished man, he received his Masters degree in industrial organizational psychology from George Washington University in 1950. Ralph served the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) for many years in multiple capacities in his early career before pursuing his love of aviation full-time. In that pursuit, he and Shirley became respected owners/operators of Skyway of Ocala Airport in Ocala, Florida, where they proudly served the aviation community and made many lifelong friends along the way. 

After the sale of Skyway, Ralph continued as a private pilot for many organizations throughout the central Florida region. He was respected and loved by all who knew him. Ralph had a gift of making everyone he connected with feel respected and honored. He loved his large group of friends and extended family - a great many of whom still chose to visit and spend time with Ralph daily on the porch; whether for a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, or a sip of scotch, those precious individuals, far too many to mention, know who they are, and they made Ralph’s latter years stay rich and full of laughter to the end. Ralph naturally and gracefully played many roles in the countless lives he touched throughout his rich and fulfilling life. He was a living role model of fatherhood and friend, a true companion, a gifted storyteller, and a faithful wingman.

Ralph was pre-deceased by his first wife Shirley Bradford née Sentell (1935-1992), whom he married in 1963, and his daughter Sandra Mordoh (1961 - 2010). He is survived by daughter, Lynne Bradford (Ocala, FL, 56) and granddaughter, Chelsea Roman (Ocala, FL, 24); daughter Tracy Bradford Lockaby (Bradenton, FL, 50) (Jay) and grandchildren, Owen Lockaby (Bradenton, FL, 14), and Layla Lockaby (Bradenton, FL, 11); Taylor Anne Mordoh (Bradenton, FL, 31), Zachary Mordoh (Bradenton, FL, 29), and their father Victor Mordoh (Bradenton, FL, 61); and his life partner of 30 years, Annette DeBernardo (Anthony, FL, 88). Ralph loved Annette’s children from a previous marriage as his own: Debbie Jones née DeBernardo (John), Diana Carter née DeBernardo, Denise Nichols née DeBernardo, Darlene Hardman née DeBernardo (Tim), Darcel Green née DeBernardo, Donna DeBernardo, Denora LaPlante née DeBernardo (Luke), Dawn DeBernardo, Doreen Penn née DeBernardo (John), Della DeBernardo-Hodson (Codi), Tommy DeBernardo, and countless step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, all of whom will remember Ralph as a loving, wise, generous, and funny man. One of many favorite great-granddaughters of Ralph’s, Miss Brooke LaPlante, wrote him notes and letters on a regular basis that he treasured.

A Celebration of Life for Ralph will take place on September 9, 2023, in Anthony, FL. It will be a time of reflection and grief but primarily of joyful remembrance of a life well-lived and a man well-loved. In lieu of flowers, we request that you consider donating to the fight against cancer. Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society in honor of Ralph Bradford. 

Ralph may no longer be with us in person, but the memories remain and will continue to inspire and bring a smile to those who were fortunate enough to have known him. His life was a testimony of love, laughter, wisdom, and kindness, and he will be profoundly missed.

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