OBITUARY: Captain James Bruno Gradek, of Belmont

Captain James Bruno Gradek, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away in his home from cancer on February 11, 2016. He was surrounded by his family at the time of passing. He was 68 years young.

Born on September 16, 1947 to the late Bruno and Irene Gradek, Jim was the oldest of three children. He grew up in Belmont, CA and attended Carlmont High School. An astute student, Jim excelled in math and sciences. He graduated from San Jose State University in 1970 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering. It was during his high school years that he met the love of his life, Sharan Gradek (San Carlos High School alum). They married on August 16, 1969.

After earning his Bachelor’s degree, Jim joined the United States Air Force and honorably served his country from 1970 to 1976. He was stationed at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina where he served as a pilot flying the O-2, T-37 Tweet, and T-38. As the Flying Safety Officer, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service in improving mishap analysis and safety procedures and in maintaining an accident free flying record for the 507 Tactical Air Control Group. Jim and Sharan moved back to the Bay Area - settling back in Belmont, CA after his service where they raised their two children, Shawn and Cheryl. Jim worked as a test and automation electrical engineer at EIMAC (Varian) and was the owner of Gradek Electric where he and his children provided local residential electrical services. One of his many favorite pastimes was boating with his family in Clear Lake and camping at Big Basin.

A kind and gentle soul, he was always the first one to lend a helping hand whether it was solving a math problem, fixing a car, or remodeling a home. Jim was always available.

Jim became a grandfather in 2005. It was his most cherished role. He adored being a grandfather to Spencer (10) and Isaac (9). He took them on outings to the Hiller Aviation Museum, zoos, county fairs, and Disneyland. The most cherished times were simpler - reading books to and with his grandsons. As Spencer and Isaac got older, Jim enjoyed watching the their soccer and baseball games and helping them with their homework. Jim was immensely and will always be proud of his grandsons in everything they did and will do. He loved his grandsons more than life itself and there wasn’t anything that he wouldn’t do for them.

Jim leaves behind the love of his life of 46 years, Sharan, his two adult children, Shawn (43) and Cheryl (41), his the lights of his life, his grandsons, Spencer and Isaac, his sister, Karen Rashleger and brother, Bill Gradek. The memory of the life he lived and the happiness he brought to so many will always be carried by those who loved him. A memorial service for family and friends will be held at the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, CA on Friday, February 26, 2016 from 5:30pm-9:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wounded Warriors Project or the St. Jude Children’s Hospital. For those who wish to leave a condolence message for the family, please go to: http://www.memorialsolutions.com/sitemaker/memsol.cgi?user_id=1746252.

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