Obituary: Bradley 'Brad' Denton Hardison

Bradley “Brad” Denton Hardison entered rest on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, at age 68 years.

Born on Oct. 4, 1955, in Niagara Falls, Brad was a lifelong resident of Ransomville. He spent most of his adult life serving Ransomville, Youngstown, Lewiston, and neighboring communities as a funeral director for, and ultimately, the owner of Hardison Funeral Homes, at which he worked alongside his father, Denton Hardison; and uncle, Gerald Hardison.

The story of the life and work of Brad Hardison could fill a book, but space is limited here.

Brad was a 1973 graduate of Wilson Central High School and a 1975 graduate of the Hudson Valley Community College mortuary school. In addition to all of his work in the family business, Brad served on the boards of Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Niagara Hospice and was a 20-year member of the Ransomville Volunteer Fire Co. He was also a member of the national, state, and Erie-Niagara Funeral Directors associations for more than 40 years.

Brad enjoyed golfing and tennis (both watching and playing), “mowing the back 40” on his farm, attending fundraiser pancake breakfasts and similar events, watching old comedy shows on TV, country music, and, more than anything, spending time with his family and many, many friends and acquaintances

As so many people have expressed, Brad was a compassionate, caring and sympathetic individual, both at work and out in the community, as well as with his family. He truly made people feel significant and did all he could to fulfill their wishes for their loved ones. He was generous with both his time and his means, supporting many worthy non-for-profits and events, including the annual Lighting of the Wreaths parade in Ransomville. He was “our rock” that we could always lean on for so many things. Many have also commented on his sense of humor, his laugh, and his easy smile.

Brad is predeceased by his father and mother, Denton and Esther (nee Bradley) Hardison; his older sister, Jan; his first wife, Mary; and many uncles and aunts on both sides of the family.

He is survived by his sons: Evan Hardison and Ian Hardison; his younger sister, Paige Hardison; former wife, Linda Hardison; longtime friend and colleague Jim Ewell; longtime friend and companion Colleen Jackson; and many close cousins on both the Bradley and Hardison/Campbell sides.

Visitation will be held at the Hardison Funeral Homes Inc., 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville, from 2-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Dec. 2-3. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 4, also at the funeral home in Ransomville. The Rev. Monsignor David LiPuma will preside. Burial will be in North Ridge Cemetery.

Contributions may be made in memory of Bradley D. Hardison to: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Niagara Hospice, or the Ransomville Volunteer Fire Co.

Please visit www.hardisonfuneralhomes.com.

Bradley “Brad” Denton Hardison

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The family and staff of Hardison Funeral Homes would like to reassure our families and friends that we will continue to provide the same standard of care and excellence that Brad and his family have provided since 1921. Please do not hesitate to call either of our locations with any questions: Lewiston, 716-754-7963; Ransomville 716-791-3911.