Irving Paul Bradstreet

SEBRING, Fla. – Irving Paul Bradstreet, 85, passed away Wednesday, July 3, 2024 in Sebring, Fla.

He was born in Lewiston on Oct. 18, 1938, the son of Charles A. Jr. and Alma Rose (Croteau) Bradstreet.

Irving attended Lewiston schools but struggled with learning in a classroom. In his late middle school years, he was struck so hard by a hit and run driver that passed his stopped school bus that both shoes flew off his feet. During his recovery, he entertained himself by learning how to take mechanical and electrical components apart and reassemble them, self-educating himself to be a “jack-of-all-trades” in his later years. He did return to school but struggled to get caught up to his classmates, causing him to seek employment shortly after completing 8th grade.

Irving held many jobs in his teenage years, but the most impactful was being a mason tender for Bert Footer.

On July 25, 1959, Irving married Anita Lacroix. They raised five children on No Name Pond Road in Lewiston until the marriage was amicably terminated in 1984.

In 1972, Irving started his own masonry company – Custom Masonry. The name was chosen from his commitment to give the customer an affordable, high quality product with all the features they requested. He enlisted family, including a brother-in-law, and two cousins (Leonel Lacroix, Dana Bradstreet, Michael Lacasse). Despite formidable challenges – lack of education, experience in business management, and funding – Irving stood by his rule of “when you’re right – fight – and don’t take no for an answer” and his persistence enabled him to establish a respected business reputation. The company was incorporated in 1981. Soon after, Richard Bradstreet and Linda Bradstreet Gustus assisted their Dad in managing the company. Today, Custom Masonry, Inc. is one of the largest masonry companies in Maine. Irving’s family legacy continues as Richard and his three children, Hannah Rines, Robert and Brian Bradstreet keep the 52-year-old company thriving.

Irving and Rebecca Brackett met in 1984. Together they worked on developing the land on Bradstreet Drive in Wales to make a home where they raised their daughter, Elizabeth. They spent winters on Hickory Ridge Drive in Sebring, Fla. since 2007 before permanently residing there in early 2016. They were devoted to each other through these years and were officially wed on Nov. 17, 2015.

Irving was an avid NASCAR fan, collected Buicks, and loved poodles.

Irving is survived by his wife, Rebecca Bradstreet of Sebring, Fla.; daughters Elizabeth Bradstreet of Sebring, Fla., Pauline Murphy of Wales, Linda Gustus of Sabattus, Nancy Gumprecht (Christian) of Lewiston, Anita Beaule (Paul) of Wales, son, Richard (Carol) Bradstreet of Lewiston; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren, plus one due in April; one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces, nephews; and cousins.

Along with his parents, he was preceded by his granddaughter, Angela Simond; sister, Joyce Lessard, brothers Charles G. Bradstreet Sr., Albert Bradstreet; son-in-law, Ricky Gustus; and beloved poodles Gypsy I and II, Lexie and Lily.

A celebration of life will be held on Sept. 14 at 1 p.m., 24 Bradstreet Dr. in Wales. Rain date will be Sept. 15.