Bradford J. Leal

Bradford James Leal, 85, of Dartmouth passed away on Easter Sunday April 5, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

Born in New Bedford and raised in Dartmouth, the son of the late Elsie (Botelho) Leal and Gilbert Leal, he lived in Dartmouth for most of his life. He attended Dartmouth public schools and graduated from Dartmouth High School, class of 1959. He later attended Bristol Community College.

Brad served honorably from 1959-1963 in the U.S. Coast Guard aboard the USCG McCulloch.

Within the community he served 24 years with the New Bedford Police Department as a police officer, a narcotics detective, and a member of the robbery squad. He was a member of the Massachusetts Police Association and the New Bedford Police Union. He was also a parishioner of the Our Lady of the Assumption Church in New Bedford.

In his younger days he was an avid Harley Davidson rider and also enjoyed playing basketball.

In his most recent years, he enjoyed going to local breakfast spots, especially meeting his buddies on Wednesdays at the Golden Greek, taking trips to the casino with his wife, and spending time with his youngest grandson and best little buddy, Wesley James, who brought such joy to his days.

Bradford is survived by his wife, Jeannette (Monteiro) Leal, with whom he had spent 47 fun-loving years; his four cherished daughters, Tammy Costa (Joe), Robbin Dias (David), Kelly Leal (Mark), and Ashley Saquet (Rick); seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

His funeral will be held on Friday April 10th at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by his Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 10 AM. Visiting hours will be on Thursday April 9th from 4-7 PM. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.