Gloria (DeHart) Bradford

Mayor Emeritus Gloria M. Bradford of Milltown, NJ, passed away peacefully on Saturday May 7, 2022.  She was 87 years old.  Gloria was a life-long resident of Milltown, the daughter of Jack and Hazel DeHart, and wife to Addison R. Bradford.  Gloria raised her children Diane and Alan in the town she loved so well.  She was active in her community; Gloria was the President and Chaplin of the Milltown Fire Department Auxiliary, Member of the Joyce Kilmer American Legion Post #25 Auxiliary, and Destroyer Escorts Auxiliary.  Her love for children and church was shown in her activities, both in the schools and the church.  Her presence in the schools was a familiar sight - talking, reading, and helping with projects.  Gloria was the President of the Milltown Parent Teacher Association and was the recipient of the Distinguished Service to Education Award.  Gloria was also a Girl Scout Leader and Cub Scout Den Mother. She was a dedicated member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, where she served as a Sunday school teacher, President of the Church Consistory, and Lay Leader.  She enjoyed public speaking, motivational speaking, and preaching sermons.

Gloria was employed as Executive Secretary to Mike Hayes at Johnson and Johnson and was awarded the J&J Sales and Logistics Company Vision Award in 1996.  After twenty-three years of service, Gloria retired from J&J and entered the world of politics.  Gloria’s activities throughout her life demonstrated her love for the town in which she lived.  She became the first woman elected to the Milltown Borough Council and was also a member of the Milltown Planning Board and Redevelopment Committee.  Gloria served as Vice President of the New Jersey Tercentenary Celebration.  She was awarded the NJ Tercentenary Outstanding Citizen Award.

Gloria then achieved another momentous first as she was elected to serve as Mayor of the Borough, becoming not only the first woman to serve in that capacity, but also the longest-serving Mayor in Milltown history at thirteen years in office.  During her mayorship she served on the Board of Directors of the NJ Mayors Association and as a member of the Middlesex County Mayors Association.

Pre-deceased by her parents John and Hazel DeHart, beloved husband Addison R. Bradford, and brother Donald DeHart; Gloria is survived by her sister Ruth Seiple, daughter and son-in-law Diane and Keith Salkeld, son and daughter-in-law Alan and Nancy Bradford; grandchildren: Jennifer Kardos and Meagan and Justin Bradford; great-granddaughter Sienna; special family friend Bunny McGaughley; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Family and friends will be received Thursday 3:00pm – 8:00pm at the Bronson and Guthlein Funeral Home of Milltown, NJ.  The funeral service will be celebrated Friday, 10:00am at St. Paul’s Church, Milltown followed by burial at Van Liew Cemetery, North Brunswick, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, and at the wishes of Gloria, contributions and donations may be made to the Milltown Fire Department and /or Milltown Rescue Squad.

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