Throughout our time at Randolph, I count myself as deeply fortunate to have been able to spend time with Brad, both as a parent and a Board member. Brad was generous and kind, and also no-nonsense. While out on a school hiking trip, Brad abruptly stopped me as I tried to help my son do something. "He can do it!" Brad exclaimed. I stepped back, Brad coached Massimo through the steps, and lo and behold, he did it. I have thought about that moment so many times as I try to remind myself that as a parent, my job isn't always to "fix" things, but rather to give space and support for my kids to figure it out and build confidence.

We are so sad to have lost Brad, but we are also so grateful that we were able to know him and spend time with him. I will miss his beaming smile and his big bear hugs. I will treasure his memory.

As a past Randolph parent, teacher, and administrator, and a current public school teacher Brad brought a unique perspective to the Board of Trustees. He was one of the memory-keepers. He helped contrast Randolph’s current state with what was happening in public schools in real time, which was especially helpful during the early days of the pandemic.  His willingness to consider worst case scenarios, while also being able to celebrate Randolph’s accomplishments made him a great partner on the Finance Committee, and his math skills didn’t hurt, either!  

While all of those practical skills made him a truly effective Board member, what I’ll miss most is being greeted at every meeting with a big hug, and a bigger smile, the way his face lit up when we talked about building rockets and trips to the stream, and all of the ways that Randolph kids like me learned science and math, without even realizing it sometimes. Our time at Randolph didn't overlap, but it was always a joy, as a former student, to talk about shared experiences with a former teacher and get his perspective on the experiences that meant so much to me, creating a connection across time, anchored by a very special place.  

I’ll miss reminiscing with Brad about Randolph’s past, and we’ll all miss his help planning for Randolph’s future.

Those weekends were also a lot of hard work and my memory is that Brad didn’t miss a festival.

Brad was impressed when he saw Randolph School’s children’s area at the Clearwater Festival. Children mastering their way across a heavy, knotted rope suspension bridge with their grownups photographing the fun. Brad asked for information about the school and we soon met him at his interview at the school, spring 1987.

When we heard how Brad learned about the school, we were somewhat surprised when he showed up in a tan three piece polyester suit. When he entered the main building, he realized he could lose the jacket and vest. He was so greatly relieved.

We were thrilled to catch his enthusiasm and hear his intentions for joining the Randolph community. He hadn’t left the parking lot before we decided- he’s in! We hired him the next day. 

Brad worked with the youngest and the oldest children. When we opened a middle and high school program, Brad created a group of 4 that would forever be, The King’s Men. They were 4 young men that completed their high school years with Brad. Since they fit nicely in his van, the adventures began. Their work on campus was creatively balanced with road trips to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Fire Island, NYC museums; 4 high school years to remember! 

Brad spent years with children ages 6-11, designing and building rockets. He created a deluxe trebuchet, brought Star Lab to the school every year - which continues to this day. Brad loved cooking with children and his recipes and pizza math were always a delicious treat.

Brad lived next door to Mark, Noah and me for several years. He and Marcus quickly became family. Trips to NYC at Holiday times, the reptile center in Woodstock, and his Fire Island home were a few favorites. 

Our love and dedication to Randolph brought both Brad and I onto the Randolph School Board of Trustees. I think Eric and Katlyn would be proud that we shared insight into the school's history and traditions and were present for the 62nd anniversary - so many fabulous years!

It's been the sweetest, Mr B! I have looked forward to our phone calls, meeting Mark and I at the New Britain Museum of American Art, meeting halfway at a restaurant, following your bicycling posts and about hearing about your plans for your bucket list trip to Tour de France. 

It was my grandmother who would say,

"Bless your Heart" 

Bless your heart Brad, you certainly blessed mine.

Love,

Diane 

Brad had that.

As a friend he felt like a positive to my more skeptical; a warm, welcoming presence that I will miss. When I think of him it makes my world a little bolder and sustains my hope that the heart is still King.

Looking back, there must have been some magic in that Randolph cornstarch—it certainly eased the transition from me to Brad. And what a smooth release it was. Brad was patient, capable, and kind, brimming with enthusiasm for the work and warmth for every teacher and child.

Over the years, I returned to Randolph a few times while Brad was there. Each visit, he welcomed me with that same generosity of spirit. His dedication to the school and its community only seemed to grow deeper, his passion brighter. It brings me such joy to spot his Rocket Man T-shirt in these photos—a fitting emblem for a man who lifted others up.

No doubt, the magic of that rocket cornstarch is still at work, unfurling the parachute of Brad’s soul, carrying him aloft. Sail high forever, dear friend.

Leah Hickerson Purcell

Is anyone making a Brad’s List (of Brad) for the celebration of his life this Saturday?!?

This picture was taken just before we moved (1993), and I love that Brad and Eric were there standing together. We were all so young--and look at those babies! So many of these precious people are connected to the past, present, and future of this special place.

We kept in touch over the years through visits to school events and FB posts of family adventures, sunrise pictures, and his checking in on us to see if we were watching the Tour. He congratulated us on the birth of our grandson and proudly let us know that he shared his middle name with him. We saw him last at the first Randolph Rumpus and were blessed with his warmth, welcoming smile, hugs, and those "catching up" moments.

Brad will continue to shine in our

memories, and those invisible Randolph heartstrings will forever tenderly connect us

all.

❤️Cathy and Steve Riley