Charles K. Bradford, 80, of Silver Spring, Maryland, died at Medstar Montgomery Medical Center of complications from cancer treatment.

Charlie was born on April 9, 1942, to the late Alton and Cleyta (Jones) Bradford in Washington, D.C. He grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, attending Leland Junior High and graduating with the class of 1961 at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. He continued his education at Florida Presbyterian College (now Eckerd College) in St. Petersburg, FL graduating with a B.S. in Mathematics.

Following college he trained in the fledgling field of computer programming and accepted a position at the Civil Aeronautics Board in Washington, until that agency closed as a result of airline deregulation. He was then transferred to the U.S. Department of Transportation where he worked as Chief of the Programming Division in the Office of Airline Statistics until his retirement in 2000.

Charlie is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Vicki, devoted sister, Jean Abell of Chico, California, sister-in-law Judy Bradford of Glen Allen, Virginia, sister-in-law & brother-in-law Valerie and Steven Williams of Abingdon, Maryland, nieces & nephews, cousins, dear friends, and his much loved Maine Coon cat, Winston. Charlie was predeceased by his brother Alton, Jr. (Sonny/Brad) only 4 months ago. A Celebration of his Life is planned for a future date. Contributions may be made in Charlie's memory to the Foundation Fighting Blindness (fightingblindness.org) or by mail to: Foundation Fighting Blindness, P.O. Box 45740, Baltimore, MD 21297-5740.

Classmate Linda Buel wrote the following tribute:

One of my favorite people of all time, Charlie. Bradford passed away yesterday. He had been ill for some time, but one can always hope for improvement. You will be hearing from Vicki About their wonderful life together. I know Charlie is off playing with Bobby (Thomas), hugging his much-loved cats, Archie and Newton . . . and I hope his sight is regained. See you Charlie . . . Linda Buel