BELFAST — John Edwin “Eddie” Bradstreet, 97, passed away at his home in Belfast Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012. Ed was born in Freedom Sept. 1, 1915, the only son of Herbert and Maenon (Whitaker) Bradstreet. After graduating from Freedom Academy in 1933, Ed attended Farmington Normal School and then taught school for three years. Ed went on to the School of Commerce in Auburn, and then moved to Belfast, where he spent the rest of his career working for Belfast Motor Express, Scott Transportation, The Republican Journal, MacLeod Poultry Company, Penobscot Poultry, and Maplewood Poultry, in an accounting role. Ed left Belfast only to serve in the U.S. Army as a member of the Americal Division during World War II. He was stationed in the Pacific area from 1942 until 1946, making him one of the longest-serving soldiers in the war.

Ed was an active member of the Belfast community, serving as a Red Cross First Aid Instructor, president of the Little League Association, an emergency medical technician for Belfast Ambulance, a Sunday school teacher at the First Church, and as county treasurer. Ed was also a member of the Phoenix Lodge, American Legion, and the Dirigo Grange of Freedom for more than 50 years.

Ed was predeceased by his wife, Hazel (Tibbetts); and his sisters, Doris, Arlene and Francis. Ed is survived by his sister, Barbara Scott; his son, Dennis; his daughter, Diane and her husband, Mike; his four granddaughters, Darci and her husband, Fred Berry, Alison and her husband, John Segalla, Amanda, and Bo; daughter-in-laws, Laurel Maddocks and Susan Bradstreet; and many special friends including the crew at Dockside Family Restaurant, members of the First Church Belfast and the Calvary Church Belfast. 

A celebration of Ed’s life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. at the First Church in Belfast with the Rev. Kate Winters and the Rev. Joel Kruger officiating. Visiting hours will be from 9 to 10 a.m., prior to the service. An interment at Morrill Village Cemetery, with the Rev. Storm Gould officiating, will take place after the service at 11:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First Church Belfast, 8 Court St., Belfast, Maine 04915 or a church of your choice. 

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.ripostafh.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home in Belfast.