Thomas J. Bradburn

May 12, 1943 - January 14, 2015
Thomas J. Bradburn

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Williamsburg — Thomas J. Bradburn, 71, passed away peacefully at his home in Williamsburg on January 14, 2015 after a valiant fight against cancer. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Tom enjoyed a long retirement in Kingsmill after a successful career as a businessman. Noted for his generosity to various charitable, educational, and cultural causes, in addition to his wit and charm, he loved life and will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. His surviving children, Cynthia Hamel, Thomas, Douglas, and grandchildren Mathew Hamel, and Allison Hamel, as well as Charles, and Samuel, are thankful to have loved and learned from such a wonderful father and grandfather.

His devoted wife of 37 years Judith Ann (nee Kruep) of St. Louis, died in Williamsburg in 2002. He was also preceded in death by his father Bert, mother, Jean and sister, Carol.

A self-made man, Tom put himself through night school at St. Louis University. After receiving his degree he joined J.I. Case, a Tenneco Company and moved to Racine, Wisconsin. He remained with Tenneco in 1984 when he moved to Williamsburg as a Director at Newport News Shipbuilding. He eventually became Vice President of Finance at the Shipyard, served on numerous boards, and retired in 1998. He enjoyed golfing, cooking, reading and traveling and was a charismatic presence around town. For the last twelve years he shared his life in love and companionship with Sarah Gunn, of Williamsburg.

A funeral mass will be held at the Catholic Campus Ministry at the College of William and Mary, 10 Harrison Avenue, Williamsburg, Virginia on Friday, January 23 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers please direct contributions in his honor to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 1503 Michaels Road, Richmond, VA 23229 or to the Thomas Bradburn Memorial Fund, The Muscarelle Museum of Art Foundation, the College of William and Mary. Online condolences may be shared with the family at bucktroutfuneralhome.net.


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  • January 21, 2015
    Mr. & Mrs. James Baker says:
    Dear Cindy,Tom,Doug and extended family. Our deepest condolences for the loss of your father. He left you way too soon. Rejoice that he got to know his grand children, they must have brought him great joy and laughter. You'll always have those great memories. Take special care & God Bless Jim & Claire Baker

  • January 21, 2015
    Chung Pak says:
    I am very sorry and sad to hear the loss of your father. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

  • January 22, 2015
    William Morris aka Book Bill says:
    I enjoyed many conversations over the last 15 years with Tom and am very saddened they have come to an end.

  • January 22, 2015
    Patricia Salters &. Monique Belisle says:
    Our deepest love and sympathies to you Cindy, Tom and Doug.

  • January 17, 2015
    Todd Jenkins says:
    To the Bradburn family, we send our condolences. I am remembering fondly Thomas and his love of history!