Allen W. Bradley died on Dec. 13. He was 78 and a summer resident of Edgartown. He was the son of George and Louise (Mason) Bradley of Plainville.

A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Allen was an entrepreneur at heart. He started his career as a car salesman, and worked his way up to become general manager of several car dealerships, including Crest Pontiac Cadillac in Newington. Allen eventually owned his own dealerships: Bradcar Motors in East Hartford, Conn., Spring Meadow Oldsmobile in Springfield, and Bradley Chevrolet Jeep in East Hampton, Conn. During this time, he also established TVR of America, importing TVR sports cars from England to the United States with a dealer network across the U.S.

His love of flying ultimately won out. He became an accomplished pilot, flying everything from small single engine aircraft to helicopters and private jets. Allen later ventured into aircraft sales and charters, starting Bradley Flying Services. He traveled to Europe, Asia, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland and South Africa to acquire aircraft and pilot them back to the U.S. himself.

Allen also enjoyed fishing and golf. His family spent many fun and interesting weekends watching him show his Quarter Horses. He also loved traveling and was happy to take his children and grandchildren on family vacations and introduce them to new places and cultures. He cherished his home on Martha’s Vineyard, and always enjoyed spending time there with his family and pets.

Allen is survived by his wife Darlene (Kotyk) Bradley, son Kendall Bradley and his wife Kelly of Wethersfield, daughter Kendra Bradley of Brooklyn, N.Y., grandchildren Trevor Bradley of Boston, and Taylor Bradley, a cadet at West Point Military Academy.

Allen was predeceased by his brothers, Raymond, Lawrence, George (Arnold) Bradley and sisters, Joyce Michaud, Judith Beaudoin, and Phyllis Bradley.

Following cremation, a Celebration of Life Service will be held on Jan. 19 at First Church of Christ Congregational, 250 Main Street., Wethersfield at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Flying Fur Animal Rescue, a non-profit dedicated to flying and rescuing animals from kill shelters to areas where they will be adopted and given a second chance at life, P.O. Box 299 Zieglerville, PA 19492, or the Daedalian Foundation: Youth Development, which promotes military aviation, education, citizenship and charity. P.O. Box 249 Universal City, TX 78148.