After his service, Bradley lived out of state for a time. He enjoyed trying new things and wore many hats throughout his life, working in a variety of roles and industries. In 2021, a personal tragedy brought him back to Illinois—the place he always considered home.
After returning, Bradley settled in with his two beloved dogs; Dobermans were his favorite breed. He grew his motorcycle collection and began rediscovering joy. Around this time, he decided to take a leap and open a Bricks & Minifigs store. LEGO was something Bradley loved no matter his age. He spent most of his time at the store, creating not just a store, but a warm and welcoming LEGO community.
Bradley was a big kid at heart, even as a 6’5” adult. He longed to have a family of his own and, through the luck of online dating, found both love and family. Bradley met his fiancée, Kristin Whiston, on May 3, 2023. He claimed it was love at first sight and told people the very next day that he was going to marry her. Bradley and Kristin became engaged on August 28, 2025, and were planning a spring wedding.
Kristin’s daughter, Alexandria, met Bradley in the winter of 2023, and by the following June, he was proudly given the title of Stepdad. Bradley and Alexandria bonded over LEGO and Spider-Man, and he was slowly getting her into Star Wars. Bradley once wrote:
“I love you so so very much, and I love that little chip off your block called Alexandria; there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for either of you. I will always be there with my unconditional love and support for both of you.”
Bradley was the oldest child of LeAnn and the late Charlie Banaszek. He was the treasured brother of Leslie Harrison. Despite being four years apart in age, Bradley and Leslie were cosmic twins with their own secret language. Bradley brought Leslie into his LEGO dreams, which eventually became her favorite job—mostly because Bradley bought lunch every day. He was always her biggest supporter.
Bradley was also a beloved uncle to Leslie’s children: Lena, Matthew, and Lillian. One of his favorite questions came from Matthew:
“Uncle Bradley, LEGO store?”
Bradley passed away suddenly on January 16, 2026, at the age of 44. He will be remembered for his enormous heart, playful spirit, unconditional love, and the joy he brought to everyone lucky enough to know him.
Visitation Sunday January 25, 2026 from 1-4 P.M. at Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home & Cremation Services 4920 Main St., Downers Grove. Interment private. Info 630-852-8000 or westsuburbanfh.com
Memorials in Bradley’s name may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital 2211 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago 60707