William Charlton Bradley

1938-2024

William Charlton Bradley, 86, of Albuquerque, N.M., died on Aug. 11, 2024.

Bill was born to Ralph L. and Hazel C. Bradley in Salem, Ohio, in 1938. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Paula; his sister, Eileen F. (Bradley) Marzolf (Winchester, Va.); nephews Erich (Catherine) Marzolf, East Palatka, Fla.; Carl (Julie Aquavia) Marzolf, Waukesha, Wisc.; their families; and numerous cousins. His parents, older sister Marilyn Bradley, and brothers-in-law Richard Lauderbaugh and Richard Marzolf passed away before him.

Bill was raised in North Georgetown, Ohio, and graduated from Goshen Union High School (West Branch, Beloit, Ohio), Muskingum College (New Concord, Ohio), and the American University School of International Service (Washington, D.C.). He served in the U.S. Army between 1960-1963.

Bill worked in higher education as Student Financial Aid Director at Mount Union College and at the University of Maine (Augusta). At New Mexico Tech (Socorro) he directed Alumni Relations and Advancement. He also served as a fund-raising consultant to public schools in New Mexico and charter schools in Michigan.

In 1992, he founded and led for 20 years Vintage Albuquerque, a fine art and wine auction, to benefit the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra and later arts education. VA exists today as the ABQ Wine Classic, benefitting Keshet Dance and Center for the Arts.

Bill was an avid reader of non-fiction; gardener, especially tomatoes; and racquetball competitor. Cleveland Guardians baseball and Mount Union football were his teams. He enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Memorials would be appreciated to the New Mexico Philharmonic Foundation, P.O. Box 16422, Albuquerque, NM 87191, nmphil.org; or the University of Mount Union Endowment Fund/the Kolenbrander Scholarship Fund, 1972 Clark Ave, Alliance, OH 44601.

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