Pasco County Commissioner Gary Hugh Bradford, 65, of Land O’ Lakes, Florida – beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving family on Sunday, April 21st, 2024.
He is survived by his eternally devoted wife of 26 years, Deborah “Debbie” Bradford, son Daniel Bradford; daughters Melissa Lembo, significant other Robby Kastern; Jessica Anaya, son-in-law Jose Anaya; granddaughters Madison Lembo and Adelina Anaya; brother Bruce Bradford, sister-in-law Susan Bradford; sister-in-law Barbara Totty, husband Steve Totty; sister-in-law Theresa Parker, husband Timothy Parker, and many other loving family members, lifelong friends, and colleagues.
Gary was born in Akron, Ohio, on December 3rd, 1958, to the late Lendall and Ethel (Durden) Bradford. He was raised in Rome, New York, and then attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago on a basketball scholarship. Gary later moved to Tampa in 1982, becoming a police officer. During this time, he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at St. Leo University. After 25 years of impeccable and dedicated service, he retired from the Tampa Police Department as a Detective. After his retirement, he was a lobbyist for the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) for 14 years. In 2022, Gary was elected and sworn in as the Pasco County District 4 Commissioner.
He was a true politician at heart. He enjoyed spending time with his family, cruises, golfing, and clay shooting. He is known for his generous spirit, infectious smile, sense of humor, and heart of gold. Above everything, he was the protector of those he loved and cherished. He was a doting and loving husband, father, grandfather, and owner of his adored dogs, Reagan and Truman. His jovial spirit was contagious to all who met him. Gary was a man who believed in serving others along with selfless acts of generosity, expecting nothing in return. He held faith very close to his heart, and his sense of humor always made us enjoy his company. He will be cherished, remembered, and dearly missed for the rest of our lives.
Memorial contributions may be made to:
Pasco Kids First
Attn: Maria Hixon
7344 Little Road
New Port Richey, FL 34654
or
Pasco County Animal Services
Attn: Stella Ickes
19640 Dogpatch Lane
Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638
Generations Christian Church
Generations Christian Church
Diane Westcott
April 25, 2024, 7:52 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time of sorrow. Memories of happy times will keep your love one alive within your heart. May he rest in eternal peace.
Bonnie White
April 25, 2024, 9:02 pm
Debbie I’m so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing my sincere condolences to you and the family.
Gary Rest Peacefully my friend you will be miss.
Bonnie and Alan White
Devi Momot
April 26, 2024, 1:24 am
God bless cousin Gary. Although distance separated us our families were always connected. Our thoughts are with family and friends. Remember the smile, it was contagious.
Nancy Medina
April 26, 2024, 11:29 am
My sincere condolences, Jessica.
Brian Taylor
April 26, 2024, 4:56 pm
Commissioner Bradford’s family will be in my prayers at this difficult time. My sincere condolences to them.
Matt 5:4
Lorie Bowman - District 2
April 26, 2024, 5:02 pm
In the shadow of his absence, we mourn the loss of Commissioner Bradford, a great man and a kind soul. His legacy of compassion and service will forever be remembered. 💔🙏
Kathryn starkey
April 26, 2024, 5:49 pm
We will greatly miss Commissioner Bradford’s thoughtful participation on our county commission. He was such a kind person. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all his many friends.
Kathryn
Rose Bruckner
April 26, 2024, 6:14 pm
Rose Bruckner – GoPasco
The GoPasco team is thinking of Commissioner Bradford’s family. We offer our sincere condolences on the loss of a good person. He will be missed.
Becca and Jim White
April 26, 2024, 8:16 pm
Debbie and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Carol Jones
April 26, 2024, 9:27 pm
Debbie, I’m sorry for your loss.
Gary was a nice person and he will be missed especially here in Pasco
God bless you and your family
David H Byrd
April 27, 2024, 1:25 am
My deepest sympathy to all of Gary’s family. Gary was a dear close friend of mine for many years on the department. He will be missed by many. R.I.P., my friend.
Retired TPD MPO David H. Byrd
Tom Singleton
April 27, 2024, 3:22 pm
My condolences to the Bradford family I served on the Tampa PBA in various positions with Gary. I considered him a servant leader and I learned about politics through Gary. May he R.I.P.
Patrick & Phyllis Brown
April 27, 2024, 10:02 pm
We pray God’s comfort over you all during this difficult time.
It was our joy to have known Gary in his young life ( he was in our wedding in 1973) and to be close friends of his family for many years.
Kurt Conover
April 30, 2024, 11:00 am
My condolences to the Bradford family. Gary will be missed greatly. Our thoughts and prayers to family and all who loved him.
Gil Livingstone
April 30, 2024, 1:34 pm
We are truly sorry for your loss. Gary will be greatly missed. He was a great friend and an absolute pleasure to be around. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends.
Benecia Holder
April 30, 2024, 5:17 pm
I knew Gary most of my life through his connection with my grandfather, and I’m thankful to have known him. No matter what I was working on in life, he always kept an eye out for me and let it be known. He was a great man and we were all better for knowing him. He’ll be missed greatly. Debbie, and the rest of Gary’s loved ones, are in my thoughts and prayers.