Bradley James Winegard
June 9, 1957 – September 5, 2021
BMCS Bradley J. Winegard, USN (Retired), 64, of Port Charlotte, Florida sadly and unexpectedly passed away Sunday September 5, 2021. His life could have been longer but not more full.
Brad was born in Lockport, NY, the oldest of four children to Donald and Patricia Winegard. He was blessed with a loving and supportive family. He graduated early from Lockport Senior High School in 1974 and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served his country proudly for 38 years. One of the highlights of Brad’s young life was being sworn into the Navy by his father, a Navy Chief Warrant Officer (reservist) at the time. He maintained a lifetime love for the Navy, rising to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer and proudly serving as part of the Special Boat Unit (SBU) community (now SWCC).
His service took him all over the world. While stationed in the Philippines in the 1980’s, Brad met Cleopatra. Brad and Cleo came to the states, married, and settled in Ohio, where they had 3 children. Brad instilled in his children his view on life which was that no ambition was too grand. He taught them to approach every challenge head on and to stand up for what they believed in. For Brad, the world held limitless opportunities as long as you put in the work.
His first grandson, Otto Ramone, born to Veronica, inherited Brad’s love of the sea and Brad was a devoted “Grandpa” to both Ramone and his newest grandson Tiller Bradlee, born to Patrocenia and Justin this past December. Brad found great joy in fishing, sailing, and boating with his grandkids.
Recently, Brad found love and joy with his wife Diane Harrison. Brad and Diane split their time between traveling the world and having a home base in Port Charlotte, FL
Besides his wife Diane, Brad is survived by his parents, Donald and Patricia; his and Cleo’s children Patrocenia (Justin Dillon), Tristin, and Veronica; his grandchildren Ramone and Tiller; his siblings Derek (Kathi), Brian and Robin (Jerry Schroeder); many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, including his close cousin (considered his “twin”), David Canham (Louise).
Those closest to him will remember Brad’s deep love for God, his country, and fast boats. Friends who wish to remember Brad can join his family for a celebration of his life, to be held on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at the American Legion Post 113 in Rotunda West, Florida from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. For those who wish to attend, please confirm attendance on the Facebook event page “BMCS Brad Winegard, USN (Retired) Memorial” OR confirm to this email with number of attendees – BMCSBradMemorial@gmail.com
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you donate in Brad’s memory to the Innocent Lives Foundation at https://ilfmain.funraise.org/fundraiser/brad-winegard
Fair Winds and Following Seas
Until Valhalla, God Speed