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Franklin Peter
Bradstreet
Aug 16, 1938 — Apr 5, 2026
Ashland
On Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, Franklin "Peter" Bradstreet, 87, of Ashland, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a life defined by service, faith, and devotion to family and country.
Born on August 16, 1938, to Kathryn (Carragher) Bradstreet and Franklin Hosea Bradstreet, he was the oldest of four siblings: Frederick E. Bradstreet, Bernard Bradstreet, and his sister, Kathryn Davis. He was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings. His father, Hosea, tragically passed away in an accident at Mill Pond in Ashland when Peter was ten. Despite the difficult times that followed, Peter attended Ashland High School, where he played football, and went on to attend Northeastern University before entering the United States Air Force Academy, where he joined his brother Ted (Frederick), who was also a cadet there. He graduated from the Academy and began a distinguished career in aviation. He served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, flying the B-52 on nuclear alert missions and later during the Vietnam War, demonstrating courage and unwavering commitment under demanding conditions.
Following his military service, Peter continued flying in a 29-year career with American Airlines. He retired as a Captain based in Boston and Miami, flying both Boeing and later Airbus aircraft on routes throughout the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Over the course of his career, he safely transported more than 2 million passengers without incident, a testament to his professionalism, training, and the dedicated colleagues at American Airlines.
In addition to his aviation career, Peter was a Certified Financial Planner and founder of Compass Financial Services, where he guided clients in planning for their financial futures with confidence.
Peter was deeply committed to his community and a friend to all who knew him. He served as a Trustee of Fay School in Southborough and as President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Middlesex for four years, underscoring his longstanding dedication to youth development and education.
A man of faith, Peter was a devout Catholic who generously gave his time to his parish communities. He frequently served as a lector at St. Anne's Church and assisted at funeral Masses at St. Matthew's Church, both in Southborough, Massachusetts.
Peter took great pride in his country and was known for ensuring that the American flag was always flying outside his home. He found joy in tending to his bird feeders and was an avid Boston sports fan, especially the Boston Celtics and the New England Patriots, attending games with close friends and family back to the days of Sullivan Stadium. Family summer vacations to Cape Cod—first in Harwich and later in Falmouth—were a cherished tradition.
Above all, Peter was a devoted family man. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Linda; his daughter, Katie Kulik, her husband David, and their children Chloe and Addie; and his son, Edward Bradstreet. He is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews.
He took great pride in his children, offering steady support and encouragement in their pursuits, both in the business world and government respectively, quietly honoring their service and accomplishments. He was never seen without his Secret Service Flag pin on his blazer lapel!
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Beaumont at Westborough for their kindness, compassion, and dedicated care.
Peter's legacy of service, faith, humility, and patriotism will live on in all who knew him.
Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation , 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday June 5th at 3:00 PM in St. Anne Parish, 20 Boston Road, Southborough, MA. There are no visiting hours.
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