Paul M Bradley

Paul Bradley, Jr., noted area architect, artist and illustrator passed peacefully away at home on Sunday, January 19th. He was 91 years old. A Wilton Manors resident since the 1950's, during his 38 years as an architect Mr. Bradley designed local municipal buildings, hotels, and hundreds of other buildings from Miami-Dade to the Palm Beaches. Originally from Philadelphia, PA, U.S. Army Platoon Sgt. Bradley was a Purple Heart recipient after being critically wounded in action by German artillery fire during the Rhineland Campaign as his unit fought to successfully raise the U.S. flag over the Rhine River at Lorelei Rock. Married to his high school sweetheart Barbara "Bobbie" Higbee, he graduated from the Univ. of Pennsylvania with a degree in architecture and moved to the Fort Lauderdale area in June of 1950. There he and Bobbie raised their five children; Barbara, Sherry, Michael, Pattie and Peter. Known for his spectacularly detailed pen and ink drawings of U.S. lighthouses, his work has been used to illustrate the books The Florida Lighthouse Trail and Florida Lighthouse for Kids as well as serving as the basis for a popular brand of miniature lighthouse models. He served as a board member of the Florida Lighthouse Association and the Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society. In June of 2003 he was honored to have his work adorn the United States Post Office first day cover envelope commemorating the release of the 37 cent postage stamp depicting the Hillsboro Lighthouse. In 2011 Mr. Bradley was recognized for his years of dedicated service to the Navy League and the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, where he had served as a past director. When not drawing lighthouses, his pen and ink and attention to detail brought to life countless images of American war planes and ships. Pre-deceased by his loving wife Bobbie and son Michael, Mr. Bradley will be deeply missed by his three daughters, son, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren who survive him. Internment with military honors will be at the veterans South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, FL.