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Tom Bradrick left legacy as an artist, humanitarian, family man

Tom Bradrick

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By Pamela Dillon, Contributing Writer 5:39 PM Friday, July 10, 2009

Tom Bradrick was known in Dayton art circles as a well-respected art educator and an award-winning clay artist.

The Centerville resident died on July 2 at the age of 79 after a two-year battle with bone cancer. By all accounts, he was a humanitarian first and foremost.

“He was truly the kindest, sweetest man to everybody he interacted with. He had a special relationship with his kids and grandkids,” said Bart Kaericher, his youngest son, who lives in Landenberg, Pa.

The Bradricks were married 30 years ago, forming a well-adjusted blended family. Tom brought two children into the marriage and Anne brought three. One daughter, Kathy Smith, passed away from heart complications last September.

Besides Kaericher, Mr. Bradrick is survived by his wife Anne, and children David Bradrick of Virginia Beach, Va., Janey Moore of Laura, Ohio, Kristen Dotson of Mechanicsville, Va., and 10 grandchildren.

Mr. Bradrick was an art educator in the Dayton school district for 34 years, the bulk of which was spent at Colonel White High School. He won Dayton Teacher of the Year in 1977 and Outstanding Art Teacher in Ohio in 1981.

After retirement, he became interested in the clay medium. “A New Beginning” is his latest work, currently on exhibit at Rosewood Gallery. He also volunteered at the Hithergreen Center and was a member of Dayton Visual Arts Center and Dayton Society of Painters & Sculptors.

The memorial service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. July 22 at Fairhaven Church, 637 E. Whipp Road, Centerville, with visitation directly following.

Contact contributing writer Pamela Dillon at pamdillon@woh.rr.com.

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I had him in "62" when Jim Davis was across the hall. Every thing that has been said about him is so true. All the years of going to that school, the only teachers I remember were Mr.Bradrick and Davis.It says alot for a person to be remember by so many........

D West
5:40 AM, 8/20/2010

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Tom Bradrick was high school art teacher to both my parents and, although I never met him, I've heard that he was just the NICEST man. He left quite an impression on my father, who went on to art school and later opened his own art college. It wasn't too long ago that my father paid Tom a visit in his studio and saw all of Tom's beautiful ceramic work. Tom sounds like the kind of person who touched many lives and won't be forgotten. My condolences to Tom's family.

Elaine Potter
2:34 AM, 7/22/2009

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