Rev. Joseph Edward Bradley
Deceased: 2024-11-30
Diocese: OWENSBORO
ICTE Spring: 2002
Fr. Joseph Edward Bradley, a retired priest of the Diocese of Owensboro known for his devotion to the less fortunate and his compassion, passed away Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at Owensboro Health. He had spent his final days in the Carmel Home in Owensboro. He was 81.
Fr. Bradley left an impact and a legacy throughout western Kentucky. Bradley held several pastoral leadership positions, founded the Daniel Pitino Shelter for the Homelessness, and was the long-time “unofficial chaplain” for iconic college basketball coach Rick Pitino’s basketball teams.
Bishop William Medley reflected on his life.
“His tireless dedication to helping the less fortunate and his compassion touched countless lives, leaving a legacy of faith, love, and service,” Medley said.
The Daniel Pitino Shelter was named in honor of Pitino’s late son. Bradley opened the shelter in 1994. It provides emergency and transitional housing to homeless individuals in Owensboro and operates a soup kitchen serving meals 365 days a year.
According to the shelter’s website, Bradley’s vision for the shelter grew out of his work at Saint Stephen Cathedral’s soup kitchen, where he recognized the homeless’s deeper needs beyond physical hunger.
Harry Pedigo, executive director of the Daniel Pitino Shelter and St. Benedict’s Homeless Shelter, described Fr. Bradley as “a pillar of faith and what servant leadership is.”
“Father Bradley always spoke truth and wisdom into me and was in some form a father figure to me and many others,” Pedigo said. “The world has truly lost one of the greatest, kindest, and most compassionate men I’ve ever known. His spirit and what he stood for will live forever through the mission of the Daniel Pitino Shelter.”
Born in Grayson County, Fr. Bradley was ordained in 1975 and began his ministry in the Diocese of Owensboro. Over the years, he served multiple parishes, directed vocations, and left a mark as principal of Owensboro Catholic High School from 1980 to 1985.
His connection with Rick Pitino began in 1992, and he later served as an unofficial chaplain for Pitino’s University of Kentucky and University of Louisville basketball teams. Their friendship flourished through shared initiatives, including the shelter.
Susan Montalvo-Gesser, director of Catholic Charities, described Fr. Bradley as a mentor and friend whose authenticity inspired many.
“Fr. Bradley accompanied so many people… as a pastor, mentor, friend,” Montalvo-Gesser said. “His work with the homeless in Henderson and Owensboro was inspirational and came from an authentic place of love and service. May we all learn to love like that.”
Current University of Kentucky Men’s Basketball coach Mark Pope reflected on Bradley’s life.
“Father Bradley lives in my heart as the definition of quiet, humble, compassionate, selfless service,” Pope said. “I’m so grateful for him. We will miss him.”
Bradley officiated at the marriage ceremonies of several former UK basketball players and presided over the funeral of legendary announcer Cawood Ledford.
The Diocese of Owensboro asks for prayers for his soul and for comfort for all who mourn his passing.
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him,” the Diocese shared in its announcement. “May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”
Funeral arrangements for Fr. Bradley are forthcoming.
