Bradley R. Hamilton
April 4, 1995 - June 14, 2023
Bradley R. Hamilton of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a beloved son, brother, uncle, and fiancé passed away unexpectedly on June 14, 2023, at the age of 28. Born on April 4, 1995 in Bristol, Pennsylvania, he was the cherished son of Robert A. Hamilton, Jr. and Kathryn Sepulveda-Canning and the baby brother of Rachael and Robert III. In 2009, he gained a step-father, Thomas Canning, who would be become a great mentor to him and one of his most trusted advisors. In 2011, he became an uncle to Anderson, whom he regarded as his best friend. Their bond was simply unparalleled. Two years later he became an uncle again to Adelynn, who was the apple of his eye…his “Finny”…and as he would say, the smartest baby girl in the whole wide world. His niece and nephew brought him immense joy and he was most proud of them.
Bradley’s life was dedicated to the service of others. He was always fighting for the underdog, he was a warrior for social justice, and a champion for human rights. He knew that every human being on this earth deserved the right to exist fully, equally, and authentically and he put his money where his mouth was to defend these truths. In his early twenties he began working polls, canvassing, and regularly attending marches and rallies. In the face of great adversity, he never once backed down on his beliefs or core values. In addition to this work, he participated in and organized a grassroots initiative focused on feeding homeless residents of the Philadelphia’s Kensington section. We found out about this project and his “boots on the ground” contributions within the organization posthumously, which made us equal parts sad and proud. Bradley wanted to change the world and his commitment to that was most often reflected in deeds he did completely in the dark. That was our Bradley! Over the last year he also mentored and tutored at-risk youth from Philadelphia who were interested in pursuing careers in systems engineering. Bradley’s life was an embodiment of these dynamic words gifted to us by Ruth Bader Ginsburg, “Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks. That means don’t do it just for yourself. You will want to leave the world a little better for your having lived.”
Bradley was a 2013 graduate of Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, NJ and a 2017 graduate of Penn State University at University Park. In high school and college Bradley had several amazing opportunities to study abroad in Germany, which he thankfully seized. It was during his time at The Philipp University of Marburg in Germany that he met his would-be fiancée, Lindsay Kay McElhatten. Bradley and Lindsey spent many beautiful years together and delighted in their shared interests of all things German (and especially the German language, in which they were both fluent!), music, world travel, city life, and social justice solutions. Bradley was Lindsey’s biggest cheerleader and saw her through three years of law school where she successfully completed her Juris Doctor degree and swiftly passed the Bar Exam with flying colors. Bradley was most proud of Lindsey for these two achievements, but more specifically he was most proud of her as a human being. Bradley’s greatest pastimes included spending time with Lindsey and his family, spending time with his dog Tiger and cat Cami, cars, homecooked meals (especially Thanksgiving and Easter), European beers, gaming, and Legos.
Most recently, Bradley worked as an engineer at Comcast corporate headquarters in Philadelphia. Bereavement sentiments to us from his coworkers included phrases such as “…a cherished and most valued team member,” “he was a good person and my life is better because I had the chance to meet him,” and “…a solid contributor and an even better person.” Bradley was the humblest guy around and would be astounded by such remarks, never suspecting that one person let alone hundreds in his workplace held him in such high regard as a co-worker and more importantly as a friend.
Bradley is survived by his father, Robert A. Hamilton, Jr.; his mother, Kathryn Sepulveda-Canning; his stepfather, Thomas Canning; his sister and lifelong confidant, Rachael Werley; his brother, Robert A. Hamilton III; his nephew, Anderson Werley; his niece, Adelynn Werley; his brother-in-law and dear friend, Jeffry Werley; his fiancée, Lindsey Kay McElhatten; his maternal grandmother, Mary Sepulveda; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins whom he treasured immensely. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Kathleen A. Hamilton aka Mom-Mom; his paternal grandfather, Robert A. Hamilton, Sr. aka Pop-Pop; his maternal grandfather, Richard D. Sepulveda; and his faithful four-legged companion, Tiger, the sweetest Pitbull rescue dog whose life was forever changed the day Bradley and Lindsey brought him into their home. To this day we smile and wonder who really rescued who - Tiger was an absolute gift to Bradley!
Relatives, friends, and colleagues are invited to attend Bradley’s Celebration of Life at the Wade Funeral Home, 1002 Radcliffe Street, Bristol Borough, PA 19007 on Friday, June 23, 2023 from 9 am – 11 am. A Service will follow at 11 am. Interment will be held at Bristol Cemetery. Flowers may be delivered to Wade Funeral Home at the address above. Donations in Bradley’s memory may be made to:
Lancaster Ave Autonomous Space (LAVA), 4134 Lancaster Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19104 https://lavazone.org/donate/
Mercer Street Friends, 151 Mercer St. Trenton, NJ 08611 https://mercerstreetfriends.org/donate/
Service Details
Celebration of Life
Friday, June 23, 2023
9:00AM-11:00AM
Wade Funeral Home
1002 Radcliffe St, Bristol, PA 19007
Memorial Service
Friday, June 23, 2023
11:00AM
Wade Funeral Home
1002 Radcliffe St, Bristol, PA 19007
Interment
Friday, June 23, 2023
To Follow Service
Bristol Cemetery
Bristol Pike, Bristol, PA 19007
In Memory of
Bradley R. Hamilton
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Bob Howley shared a photo and condolence
Rest in peace Brad.
Breea Gould shared a condolence
I studied abroad with Lindsey and Brad in 2016. I remember Brad explaining in German how much he loved to drive his car to clear his head, and the way he explained that feeling of freedom made me realize how much I love it too. He also taught my whole German class the word schmutzig before transferring to a higher level German class! I remember on a class outing one day I saw Lindsey and Brad start to walk together, and I overheard them talking about Superman or Batman. I looked over to my friends and said, they should get together! When my friends laughed and asked why, I said something about how their heights match up, both short and sweet. But that’s what I remember mostly because I fumbled to explain the real reason I thought they would be a good match, both very kind and smart and both had a core goodness you just admired and that I felt though I didn’t know them well. All these years since, I have been quietly happy every time I saw a Facebook post of the two of you, and I am so sorry to you, Lindsey, and to Brad’s family for this enormous lose. It is a very sad day, and I wanted you all to know that he touched many people along the way.
Mary Sepulveda shared a photo
Frank Hamilton shared a photo and condolence
❤️🙏
Veronica Pizzo shared a condolence
With a heavy heart, our deepest condolences to Bob, Kathy, Tom, Rachel, Bobby everyone that loved Bradley so much! Bradley, may you rest in peace! Love, Aunt Ronnie and Uncle Anthony ❤️❤️
Dad Hamilton shared a condolence
Hey Bud,
I miss you every minute of everyday! Have a cigar and Tully for me when we meet again!
Love you ❤️💔
Dad
Richard Louie shared a condolence
I know he will find peace in his next life. With LOVE your great Uncle Rick in Tulsa Oklahoma.
Diane Colosimo shared a condolence
I grew up on Hegerman St. and my parents still live there. Although I didn't know Brad, whenever I saw him we always exchanged a friendly "hello". I cannot fully express how sorry I am for your tremendous loss. Brad obviously left a huge footprint on the world and more people should be like him. He was quite accomplished for such a young man. I pray for peace and comfort for Lindsey and the entire family. RIP good neighbor❤️
Sharon Medina shared a condolence
So sorry Kathyrn and Robert and family for your loss RIP Bradley to young tell Rachael and Bobby and new husband how sorry I feel Love you and all of you
Unky Frank shared a photo and condolence
Brad
You will be forever in my heart and in my mind. Your smile would light up any room and it was genuine. The feeling of warmth and love when we were together was amazing and I will miss it dearly. Love you with all my heart and you will NEVER be forgotten.
Mary Sepulveda shared a photo
Mary Sepulveda shared a photo
Claire Quinn shared a condolence
Bob and family - so very sorry for your loss. May the memories of happy times spent together with Bradley comfort you in this time of sorrow. My deepest condolences.
Ruth Brignola shared a condolence
You were such a sweet little boy that grew into such a Beautiful, Loving, Joyful and giving person, who thought of so many people. We were Blessed to have you in our family, in your community in where you lived and worked, and for your friends around the world. You will be missed by all, Rest in Peace! Love and Peace to Bradley's family and Lindsey.
Love Aunt Ruth
Rob Heldens shared a photo and condolence
“Bradley for President” was the slogan of the week. An unforgettable week together in Austria where we first met you as the brother in law from our friend Jeff and of course Rachel’s little brother. During that week you became our friend as well and it was clear to all of us that you wóuld be a president of something, somewhere at some time!
Rest in peace Sir!
Marc Ganser
Marco Langoor
Rob Heldens
Tim Scassero shared a condolence
Bob and all the Hamilton family,
We were saddened to hear of Bradley's passing. We hope happy times of the past soon fill your hearts and minds turning sad tears into happy ones.
Bob, although we are not brothers by birth, more important we are brothers at heart and by choice. The entire Scassero family is here for you and have your six. Just know that until you see Bradley again in Heaven, PFC Robert Hamilton Sr. US Army and Sgt. Leonard Scassero USMC will watch over him for you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers now and always.
In Sympathy,
Geri & Tim Scassero
Jerelee Pletnick shared a condolence
Bobbie , words seem so feeble in moments like this , life is so precious and death such a thief. Your pain I cannot comprehend but please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers . I had the pleasure to meet your son once and seems that he had a great impact on those who knew him , hold your memories close to your heart .
Mary Sepulveda shared a photo
Frank Hamilton shared a photo and condolence
❤️🙏
Sissy Whippy shared a photo and condolence
It’s officially been a month since we said “goodbye” to you on that rainy day. Rainy days will never be the same. In fact, no days are the same without you, my best friend of 28 years. I miss you more than I can ever put into words and I love you even more. To infinity…and my foot! :-) After I hug you on the other side, our next order of business is a Toy Story binge!
Love you baby xxoo