Owensboro priest passes away at 81 on Saturday

OWENSBORO, Ky. (WFIE) - Father Joseph Edward Bradley of the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Owensboro has passed away at the age of 81 years old.

The Roman Catholic Dioceses of Owensboro Kentucky released a statement saying he died on Saturday at Owensboro Health after spending his final days in the loving care of the Carmel Home in Owensboro.

Father Bradley served as pastor of multiple churches in the Diocese and had a long stint as pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Parish Catholic Church in Henderson.

Those who knew Father Bradley best, not only knew him for his career as a Catholic priest, but for his acts of service to his community.

“Everywhere he went, he had a major impact, not only on the Catholic population, but the entire community. That was true in Owensboro when he was at Saint Stephen Cathedral, and also here in Henderson at Holy Name,” said Father Richard Meredith, Pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Parish.

While he was well known for his work in the Catholic church, his community service was one of his true passions.

“You can tell just by talking to him that he is filled with the spirit of Christ,” said Harry Pedigo, Executive Director of the Daniel Pitino Shelter in Owensboro.

Pedigo said he was grateful to have had a mentor in Bradley, who continued to inspire him to keep serving the community daily.

“He would always elevate me to seek Christ first, but also just to continue the mission of the shelter and to keep helping those who are down on their luck,” said Pedigo.

Bradley was also well known for being the unofficial chaplain for Coach Rick Pitino’s UK and UofL NCAA Basketball teams.

Pitino, the current head coach of the men’s basketball team at St. Johns University, reacted to Bradley’s passing with a statement on on X/Twitter:

“RIP Fr Bradley you were a big part of our team and the Pitino family. This day can’t pass soon enough.”

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4 at St. Stephen Cathedral, with a prayer vigil at 7 p.m.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, December 5 at St. Stephen Cathedral.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be live-streamed here.