Bradley Thomas Johnson

  With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Bradley Thomas Johnson. With deep love, we remember his caring presence and passionate soul. Bradley passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, surrounded by his family - his entire world.

  Bradley was born on October 3, 1962, in Joliet, Illinois, to Jacqueline and Thomas Johnson. As the youngest of three, he grew up surrounded by affection and was well-known for the pranks he pulled on his older siblings. Growing up in Crystal Lake, he found an early love for basketball. After attending a John Wooden camp in high school, he wrote to Coach Wooden and, to his amazement, received a handwritten reply. Brad framed that note and centered his life pursuing whatever sparked his passion. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1985 with a degree in international business.

  Long before he became a father, Brad was a devoted uncle who reveled in giving—offering his nieces and nephews unforgettable opportunities, such as sessions with a Chicago Bears trainer, as well as quiet moments of connection, like teaching them to shoot a basketball or play bumper pool. He gave with joy, played with heart, and always carried a spark of mischief.

  Brad’s travels eventually led him to Michele, a British woman with energy twirling in her curls and love shining in her eyes. They married in 2003, a day filled with love - and plenty of guitar. Friends knew Brad was a gifted musician, but he played best when it was for those he loved. After moving back to Crystal Lake, their family grew with the arrivals of Kerri, Michaela, and, finally, Erin. Brad was incredibly gifted - leaving footprints of love across every moment. Yet, his greatest talent was being a dad.

  Bradley is survived by his loving wife Michele Greta Galvin; his daughters Kerri Crystal, Michaela Mae, and Erin Lee; his brother Paul (Marion) Johnson; his sister Lori (Peter) Cook; his nephews Ben Cook, Josh Cook, and Ryan Johnson; his niece Kelsi (JP) Heres; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pastor Thomas Lee Johnson and Jacqueline Johnson.

  A visitation will be held Thursday, August 7, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. (prayer service at 7:00 p.m.) at Davenport Family Funeral Home (419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake). The Funeral Mass will be Friday, August 8, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church (451 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake).

  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

  It feels fitting to close with Brad’s own words, from a song he wrote for Michele one Christmas: “Close your eyes and count one, two, three. Your fingers are empty, but I’ve got you and you’ve got me.” Even though his absence makes it seem as if the sun has shifted, let us continue to live and love in his light. That light shines in us all.