Walter "Walt" F. Bradley Jr.

Walter “Walt” Bradley, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and proud patriot, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on April 16, 2026. He was born on November 20, 1939, in Gloucester, Massachusetts, to Walter Sr. and Mabel Bradley.

Walt married the love of his life, Mary Jane Hoyne of Colorado Springs, Colorado, on June 2, 1962. Together, they shared 61 years of marriage filled with devotion, faith, and family.

He graduated from Gloucester High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Colorado State University. He also completed graduate-level coursework in accounting and business at the University of Colorado. Walt further distinguished himself as a graduate of the Comptroller Staff Officers Course and the Professional Military Comptroller School, and he was a Certified Government Financial Manager.

Walt dedicated 41 years of service to the United States Air Force, both on active duty and as a civilian. A disabled Vietnam War veteran, he served his country with honor and distinction. His many awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Civilian Meritorious Service Medal, and the Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award. In 1976, he was named Air Force Audit Agency Military Auditor of the Year while serving at the United States Air Force Academy. In 1986, he was recognized as Air Force Space Command Civilian Comptroller of the Year. He was an active member of the National Association of Accountants, the Association of Government Accountants, and the American Society of Military Comptrollers.

A man of deep faith, Walt was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church beginning in 1971, where he served for 15 years as a Eucharistic Minister to the homebound. In 2013, he became a member of St. Patrick’s Church. He also gave back to his community as past president of Colorado Springs Sertoma and was a life member of Colorado Springs Elks Lodge 309.

Walt took immense pride in his family and his faith. He considered it a great privilege to serve in the United States Air Force and under the flag of his country.

Walt is survived by his children: Bill Bradley (Beverly) of Denver, Colorado; Traci Macdonald (John) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Kileen Ihlenfeldt (Joe) of Littleton, Colorado. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Collin Macdonald (Amber), Bradley Macdonald, Ashley Ihlenfeldt, Elizabeth Ihlenfeldt, Kali Bradley, and Nicole Bradley. Brothers: James Bradley, Dana Bradley and William Bradley. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary; his daughter, Kelli; and his parents, Walter Sr. and Mabel.

Rosary for Walt will be Monday, May 4, 2026, at 9:15 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 6455 Brook Park Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918. Reception will follow immediately in the church hall. Private interment will take place at Pike Peak National Cemetery.

The family would like to give special thanks to Home Instead for providing compassionate care to keep Walt at home and to Compassuss for providing comfort, dignity and peace in Walt’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance (give.tscalliance.org) or MT Carmel Veterans Center (veteranscenter.org/donate/www.veteranscenter.org/donate/) in Walt’s name.