Bradford E. Southworth

Brad Southworth passed away December 30, 2025 at the age of 89. He was born in New London, Connecticut, and graduated from New London High School. He earned a scholarship to play basketball at the University of Rhode Island, where he met his wife, Gail M. Edwards. As freshmen, Brad famously coaxed Gail into walking across the campus green—considered a serious violation at the time—which landed her in trouble and sparked the beginning of their lifelong relationship.

Brad and Gail married and lived on campus at URI while Gail studied Home Economics and Brad pursued Animal Husbandry. After graduating, they moved to Gary, Indiana, for Brad’s work. Gail soon became homesick and encouraged Brad to return to Rhode Island, where they learned they were expecting their first child, Jeffrey. The couple purchased their first home on Gerald Avenue, off MacArthur Boulevard, in Coventry, Rhode Island.

Later, Brad and Gail moved to Ballston Avenue in Pawtucket, where they welcomed their second son, Douglas. Brad went on to earn a master’s degree in Horticulture and began a distinguished career with the State of Rhode Island. His service included positions in Statewide Planning, the Governor’s Justice Commission, Director of Corrections at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston, and ultimately Personnel Director for the State of Rhode Island.

Brad retired in 1991 and continued his public service as a consultant for the cities of Central Falls and Johnston. His beloved wife, Gail, passed away in October 1997. Brad remarried years later.

Brad is survived by his wife, sons, Jeffrey and his wife Jeanne, and Douglas and his wife Jennifer; and his grandchildren, Shelby, Codie, Kailey, Catherine, Timothy, Christopher, Elias, and Geneva.

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