Nathaniel F. Bradley III

Nathaniel F. Bradley III, 93, of Bonita Springs, Fla., died peacefully on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. His loving family and exceptionally loyal caregivers were by his side throughout his end of life journey.

He was born in February of 1932 in Schenectady, N.Y., to Nathaniel F. Bradley Jr. and Pauline (Vanyo) Bradley.

A New York state native, Nat grew up in the Stockade area of Schenectady. He attended Nott Terrace High School and earned an associate degree in business management from the State University of New York in Utica, where he met his future wife, Janet Hallenbeck. After college Nat joined Sears, Roebuck and Co. as a management trainee. He was a veteran of the United States Army who served on active duty and in the Army Reserve.

Married in 1954, Nat was on his way to becoming a devoted husband, father and eventually a treasured grandfather and great grandfather, affectionately known as Bumpo.

Nat’s 38-year career with Sears included positions held in New York, Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Chicago headquarters. He retired after a 5-year assignment in Tokyo, Japan where he was the vice president of Far East Buying, with branches throughout Southeast Asia.

With the transfer to Chicago in 1962, Janet and Nat settled in Glen Ellyn, Ill. and raised their family. In the mid 70s they built their cherished Northern Wisconsin retreat and named it “Canthook.”

In retirement, time was split between Canthook, in Hazelhurst, and Bonita Springs, Fla. A lifelong outdoorsman, Nat rarely missed a chance to fish or hunt. He was an expert fly fisherman and an excellent bird hunter, who enjoyed many a fall day hunting over one of his German shorthaired pointers.

Bumpo embraced every opportunity to educate and mentor his grandchildren. Teaching moments at Canthook would include anything from fishing and shooting a BB gun, to bumper pool and Tripoley or even the finer points of building a fire in a wood stove. Not to mention the stories of his adventures.

Although his time was spent primarily in the Midwest and Florida, Nat retained his love for Upstate New York and the East Coast. Particularly the Battenkill River, where as a boy, he honed his skills as a fly fisherman. Cape Cod was also a frequent destination.

Nat was quite a storyteller and correspondent, drafting articulate letters to anyone and everyone he found interesting, usually receiving a reply. Married for 69 years, Janet and Nat made countless friends of all ages and were appreciated and respected by all. A willing volunteer, he oversaw fish habitat projects for the lake in Wisconsin as well as various projects in their Florida community. He was a patient teacher known to share his fly-casting skills with family, friends and youngsters at fly-fishing clinics.

Nat was a Lifetime Member of Trout Unlimited and a proficient fly tyer, creating unique patterns and generously sharing his flies with fellow anglers. Other interests included traveling, playing the piano, antiquing, collecting vintage duck decoys, swimming and a love of music, particularly Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra.

He is survived by his son, Nathaniel F. “Brad” Bradley IV (Lisa); his daughter Anne Slack (Brian); his grandchildren Nathaniel F. “Nate” Bradley V (Anne), Quinn Getz (Chip), Trevor and Taylor Slack; his great-grandchildren, Henry, Lily, Crosby and Cooper Getz and Frances and Colette Bradley.

Nat was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John Joseph “Jay” Bradley and his beloved wife Janet.

Well known for his firm handshake and direct eye contact, Nat was dapper and witty, forming friendships quickly and effortlessly. He loved his country and set an impeccable example for his family. He will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nat’s name to Trout Unlimited by calling 1-800-834-2419.

To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.