The Honorable John A.K. Bradley, 91, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026, in New York City. Born on July 23, 1934, in Osterley, London, England, to Thomas and Dorothy Bradley, John immigrated with his family to the United States shortly after World War II and settled in Greenwich, Connecticut.
A brilliant student, John earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard University (A.B., 1955) and his law degree from Columbia Law School (J.D., 1960). He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1961. After beginning his career in private practice, he answered a call to public service. In 1980, he was elected to the Civil Court bench, and in 1982 he was designated an Acting Justice of the New York State Supreme Court, Manhattan (New York County). He served with distinction until 2004. Even after his full-time service concluded, Judge Bradley continued his judicial work as a Judicial Hearing Officer, presiding over discovery disputes and cases referred by sitting justices.
Beyond the law, John was an avid hiker, photographer, and world traveler. He had a particular love for Nepal, where he formed many lasting friendships with Sherpa guides and fellow adventurers drawn to Mount Everest. In the United States, he hiked extensive sections of the Appalachian Trail and served as Advisory Chair of the New York–New Jersey Appalachian Mountain Club. A longtime supporter of conservation, he was also a dedicated donor to the Sierra Club. Family and friends cherished his holiday gatherings and the vivid stories and photographs he shared from his global and domestic adventures.
John was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Dorothy Bradley; his brother, David B. Bradley; and his nephew, David S. Bradley.
He is survived by his nephews, Mark Bradley and his wife Maureen of Wake Forest, N.C., and Thomas Bradley and his wife Bailey of Burlington, Vt.; his niece, Tara Bradley and her husband Nick of Boston, Mass.; grandnephew Derek Bradley of Rocky Mount, N.C.; and grandnieces Rebecca Bradley-Puckett of Wake Forest, N.C., and Michelle Bradley-Alexander of Wendell, N.C. He is also survived by his close and dear friend Karou Suzuki.
A memorial gathering will be held at Frank E. Campbell - The Funeral Chapel, 1076 Madison Ave, NYC, on September 12, 2026 at 1:30pm. The service will begin at 2pm, followed by a reception.
