Walter Lewis Bradley, who is engaged in the undertaking business in Meriden, was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, September 16, 1869, a son of John and Elizabeth Bradley, both of whom passed away in his infancy. His childhood was spent at Haverhill, Massachusetts, where he attended the public schools.

For a time Walter L. Bradley was employed in a grocery store and then found work in a shoe factory. He next went to New Haven and entered the employ of the Winchester Arms Company and, later, of Louis & Maycocks, undertakers, with whom he remained for nine years, during which time he gained a practical knowledge of undertaking and embalming. He desired, however, to fit himself more perfectly for work along that line and later took a course in the Barnes College of Embalming and Sanitary Science in New York city. After leaving that institution he came to Meriden and secured a position with L. H. Church, the oldest undertaking establishment in Meriden and perhaps in the state.

Following the death of Mr. Church, Mr. Bradley and Mr. White purchased the business and conducted it in partnership until 1912, when Mr. Bradley became the sole owner. He gives his personal attention to all of the business and is not only an expert embalmer but is tactful, unobtrusive and efficient in arranging for and conducting a funeral. His equipment is of the very best in every way and includes a motor hearse, and fine Sedan cars for the mourners.

Mr. Bradley was married March 1, 1916, to Miss Effie Cornwall, of Middletown. He supports the republican party at the polls but is not an office seeker. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic blue lodge, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, and be is also a popular member of the Colonial Club. Along professional lines he is identified with the State and County Associations of Undertakers and is constantly seeking in every way possible to better the service offered his patrons and make it more nearly the fitting expression of the regard felt for the departed. His religious faith is that of the Congregational church and its work profits by his loyal support.