ALTAMONT — Edwin J. Bradt loved living life to the fullest, whether it was during his long-time sales career or with his beloved wife and three children. He died on Tuesday, March 5, 2019. He was 93.

The son of the late William and Ruth Bradt, he was born on Sept. 5, 1925, and was raised in Altamont in the former inn of Jacob Crounse in old Knowersville, where he would later live with his wife until 1975, said his daughter, Jan Williams.

After graduating from Altamont High School, he joined the Army Air Force during World War II; he graduated from flight school just as the war was ending, said his daughter. He returned to Altamont and attended Albany Business College, after which he worked in sales for the rest of his life.

While spending time on Warners Lake, Mr. Bradt met the love of his life, Dorothy Mattice, whose family owned a bed-and-breakfast in there. After spending time together up on the Hill, they eventually married, a union that ended only with Mrs. Bradt’s death about 17 years ago. Together they raised three children and had five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

The Bradts moved from place to place over the years, traveling as far as Pennsylvania and Florida for Mr. Bradt’s work in sales. He worked for Severson Beekeepers and Ogden Grain Company for many years, and worked many jobs after this.

“He sold everything,” said Mrs. Williams. “From farm equipment, feed, cars … .”

Mr. Bradt didn’t stop working until his early 90s, said Mrs. Williams, after he had a mini-stroke and reluctantly couldn’t drive anymore. Sales was a job he enjoyed all his life.

“He liked people; he liked to talk,” said his daughter. “He had what I like to call the gift of gab.”

Mr. Bradt’s last job was selling Amsoil products for cars. He was a car enthusiast himself, both enjoying long drives and going to auto shows.

As a World War II veteran, Mr. Bradt had served as a past commander of the American Legion Post in Altamont.

He enjoyed making people laugh, and used to sing and put on comedy shows with his brother.

“One Halloween, he embarrassed the heck out of me,” said Mrs. Williams.

Mr. Bradt had decided to dress up for Halloween as his mother when his own daughter was a teenager. He took one of his mother’s dresses and her pantyhose, bought a wig, and went up to the village. Mrs. Williams said some people mistook him for his mother. His mother’s response was to chide him, but she wasn’t too upset.

“She got a kick out of it,” said Mrs. Williams.

Mr. Bradt also enjoyed playing softball, golfing, bowling, and snowmobiling, activities he did as long as he was physically able to.

“He lived a long and full life,” said his daughter.

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Mr. Bradt is survived by his children, Carol Guilz; Jan D. Williams and her husband, Arthur; and Lance Bradt and his wife, Mary; by his grandchildren, Richard M. Guilz Jr. and his wife, Holly; Lynn Hemingway and her husband, Peter; Sarah E. Graves and her husband, Tim; Scott J. Williams and his wife, Mallory; Steven A. Williams and his fiancée Sarah Kinzel; and Nicole M. Marz and her husband, Brian; by his great-grandchildren, Peter, Jacob, Timothy, Olivia, Paul, Camden, and Maci; by his brother, Richard Bradt; and by many loving relatives and friends.

His wife, Dorothy Bradt, died before him, as did his son-in-law, Richard Guilz.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals at 343 New Karner Rd. in Colonie on Saturday, March 16, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 pm. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home at 5:30 p.m. Mourners may leave condolences online at www.NewComerAlbany.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Helderberg Post 977, 988 Altamont Blvd, Altamont, NY 12009.

— H. Rose Schneider