Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Commissioner Timothy Bradford passed away on December 1, 2017. He was elected to the MWRD Board of Commissioners in 2014 and served as Chairman of the Ethics and Federal Legislation Committees, and he was the Vice Chairman of the Maintenance and Operations and Monitoring and Research Committees.
Commissioner Bradford began his professional journey at Quaker Oats in a managerial position for 25 years. He later established himself as an entrepreneur with an interest in a Miller Beer Distributorship in St. Louis, MO. He also owned Docks Fish, a popular food franchise. His success in the field of sales and marketing forged his path as a dedicated leader in the south suburban political community and the Democratic Party.
Commissioner Bradford later served as Administrator at Rich Township. He also volunteered on the boards of numerous civic and business organizations including the Rich High School District 227 advisory board, the Great Lakes Bank advisory board in Matteson, IL, and Club President of Rotary International Club.
Commissioner Bradford served 30 years as an elected member of the Olympia Fields Park District Board and served three terms as President. Some of his awards included: the Eagle Award for 30 years of service to the Olympia Fields Park District; the Hero’s Award from the Village of Olympia Fields; and the Diversity Award from Diversity, Inc. The Matteson Business Association honored him for becoming an elected official.
Commissioner Bradford was married for more than 50 years to his loving wife Mary Ann. His family also included four children: Cherise, Corey, Shance (deceased), and Ty, and eight grandchildren: Bryce, Blaine, Chase, Ryder, Blake, Aiden, Talon, and Nya.
It is believed Commissioner Bradford received his last award from the National Council of Negro Women on Saturday, November 18, 2017. Visitation for Timothy Bradford will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, December 8 at Leak & Sons Funeral Homes, 18400 S. Pulaski Road, Country Club Hills, IL. A wake will be held at 9:30 AM Saturday at New Faith Baptist Church-International, 25 Central Ave., Matteson, IL followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m.
