Wilbur Bradford "Brad" Clarey passed away peacefully with family at his side in Brewster, MA on September 11, 2020 at 90 years of age. Brad will be buried next to his late wife of thirty-eight years, Ann Berntheizel Clarey, at the Orleans Cemetery on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Brad is lovingly survived by four daughters, Katharine Cormie, Queensbury, NY; Belinda Eyestone, Brewster, MA; Lisa Clarey-Lawler, Nantucket, MA; Melanie Safreed, St. Augustine, FL; and a son, Bruce Stevens, Sacramento, CA. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren, who adored their special grandfather.
Brad graduated from Williams College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and received his Master of Business Administration degree from Central Michigan University. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force having dutifully served 26 years during the Korean, Cold, and Vietnam Wars, as well as a five-year NATO assignment in Oslo, Norway. He was a principle of the architectural products firm Glines & Clarey of Albany, NY and began his career as a manufacturer’s representative for Alcoa.
Brad loved spending time outdoors and was an avid downhill and cross-country skier, racing sailboat skipper, and wind surfer. During his later years, he remained mentally and physically engaged at the Woodlands retirement community in Brewster, with his role as vice chairman of the residents’ council, member of the welcome committee, daily walks, trips to the gym, and active book club participation.
Brad will always be remembered as a gracious and generous father, husband, and friend. He was a vibrant man with a great sense of adventure and fun. He faithfully served his family, community, and country throughout his life and will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
In lieu of flowers, contributions are requested to be made in Brad’s name to the Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod or Perkins School for the Blind.
