FAIRPORT, NY – Bradley (Brad) Joseph Furnal, 71, passed away January 30, 2022, after a long battle with diabetes and heart disease. By his side for over 49 years was his loving wife, Gloria (Scott).
Brad was born in Canandaigua, NY, raised in Williamson and Auburn, graduating from Central High School in 1968. Shortly thereafter, Brad found his knack for retailing at his father’s Furnal’s Big M Supermarket in Hilton, NY, where he met the love of his life, Gloria. Together, they moved to Avon, NY, owning and operating the Avon Big M from 1975 to 1997. Over the years, he brought countless innovations to town: in-store video rental with “Brad’s Best Bets” as an excuse to fund his movie obsession (don’t forget to rewind!), grocery delivery to the elderly, pizza bread from Furnelli’s deli, and one of the earliest food trucks serving Zweigle’s red hots all summer.
Brad was very involved in the community, a member of Rotary, organizing countless fundraisers, playground builds, and the town’s appreciation efforts for Operation Desert Storm. He received the Dewitt Clinton Masonic Award for Community Service in 1991 and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary.
After the store closed, Brad shared his retail wisdom throughout Rochester, working at multiple Walmart stores, Wegmans, and as a server at Cheesecake Factory. He prided himself on memorizing the entire menu but being wise enough to write down everyone’s order.
Brad was a staple on the sidelines of Honeoye Falls-Lima (HF-L) youth sports, either coaching or cheering on his children, Emily (Jesse) Bavaro of North Granby, CT, and Eric (Karen) Furnal of Fairport, NY. Most weekends were filled with all-star tournaments, batting practice, or working the chow hut. He was best known for rallying a team to an upset victory with his trademark, “HITS, HITS, HITS” cheer.
Brad’s greatest joy was meeting and spoiling his grandchildren, Samuel Bavaro, Raegan Furnal, and Teagan Furnal. He passed on his love of reading and movies and never missed a chance to tell them how much he loved them.
Brad is predeceased by his mother, Norma Sackett, and survived by his father, Raymond (Annette) Furnal, siblings Rick (Terry) Furnal, Ann (Scott) Hess, Debbie (Bob) Ryan, David (Audrana) Furnal, Angie Quickenton, and his sibling-in-laws Carol (Marty) Sears, Jane (Joe) Hayes, and Sandy (Al) Kingsley. He treasured the big family gatherings of nieces, nephews, and their growing families!
If you had an hour, Brad had a story to share: from the oil embargo of ’73 to the big ice storm of ’91 to the latest accomplishments of his exceptional grandchildren. He had an early love for photography, every new technology advertised, and would chase a hot air balloon across town! Brad was a life-long Buffalo Bills fan and proud Syracuse Orange Dad. He loved traveling with extended family on Big M Spring Retailers’ trips, skiing out west when visiting his mom, and visiting Gloria’s family “up North.” You are welcome to share your favorite Brad stories with the family at calling hours, Saturday, February 5, 2022, 10-11 am at All Seasons Chapel at White Haven Memorial Park, 210 Marsh Rd, Pittsford, NY, with service immediately following. Arrangements by Richard Keenan Funeral Home. The family is grateful for Brad’s excellent care from the extended University of Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital staff. Please consider a donation to The Strong Children’s Museum of Play in his memory – it gave Brad great joy to watch his grandchildren at play.
Comments
23 responses to “Furnal, Bradley J.”
I will always remember Brad’s enthusiasm and smile. He was a joy to work with. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Brad Furnal was one of a kind ! I had the pleasure in knowing him when we worked together at The Cheesecake Factory and he was the best … referred to him as Mr. Cheesecake. Always had the best stories , great demeanor, funny and very energetic. He will truly be missed .It was an honor to have crossed paths with you. RIP Brad Furnal.
Bradley was such a kind and helpful man. He told so many stories and they all would put a smile on you face. He would help you in any way possible, even putting your new patio furniture together on his off day. I had the pleasure of working with Brad, Gloria and Eric and it was truly a blessing. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed. Rest In Peace Bradley.
I had the distinct honor and pleasure of providing electrical repairs and upgrades for Brad at the Avon Big M when I was doing electrical contracting. He was always cheerful and respectful. I hadn’t seen him in years, probably since 1995, but ran into him in Rochester around 2015. He remembered me was happy to see me, and we had the opportunity to catch up. That was Brad, happy, cheerful, glad to see you… and always remembered your name.
My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
I am so sorry to hear this. Condolences to Brad’s family. How my mom (Marcella Davin) missed the Big M, and Brad, when it closed. He was a wonderful man, always so kind and attentive to my aunt (my mom’s sister) who had Down’s Syndrome. Accompanying my mom grocery shopping was an outing that my aunt looked forward to every week.
A true gentlemen! I had the pleasure of working for Brad at Big M in Avon at the age of 16. My first job making a whomping $3.35/hr. At the time I was so proud to have a job and someone willing to give me a chance. Brad and his wife were always kind and generous to all his staff. The generosity didn’t stop at Big M. It was shared throughout the community. He will be missed but always remembered as a kind and generous soul! I do believe Brad holds success in the many that crossed his path. As a business owner (Evening Star Coffee Roasters) I can thank Brad for playing a part in helping me learn many necessary skills I have applied to my successes today. God Bless! You will be missed.
We are so sorry for this sad news. Brad and Gary each owned a Big M store in the good ole days. Hard to believe how time flies. Lots of memories with Chargers football and the stores. You will be missed Brad by all who knew you and love you RIP dear friend
That smile! Even when a customer was rude and nasty, there it was. I will always be grateful for the moral support he gave me at a very difficult time in my life and his faith in my abilities as his Video Department manager for years even after I crashed the computer on my first week. What a good time we had over those movies! How patient Gloria was with our lengthy discussions of the most current releases. One the most exciting moments I remember was the day Brad brought in the “new” DVD player, it was quite large, the size of a condensed portable record player. He was so excited! It did prove to be exactly what he said it would, the way of the future for at home movies. I know he will be greatly missed by family and friends. Gloria, you and Brad will always have a special place in my heart. May the memories fill the void I know you have in your heart. God Bless you all.
The Big M wasn’t just a grocery store in Avon, it was a gathering place of friends who also shopped! He was ,along with Gloria, always friendly and ever so helpful. He remembered the names of the kids who were there with their parents. Avon lost a bit of the old time shopping experience when the Big M closed.
Had the pleasure of working with Brad at a local men’s clothing store. One of our top employees and no task was beyond him to do. So sorry to hear, but I have a feeling his legacy shill survive. God bless Brad, Gloria, and thei children and grandchildren..
Ray, Rick, Deb and family…So sorry to read the passing of your son/brother. Did not know Bradley as well as you guys, but in the best grocery store business ever, The Big M, Customer Service was the name of the game! All of you personified that in your business life. Hugs and Prayers to all. Anne Forberg ?❤️
I am so sorry to hear of Brad’s passing. Years ago I worked at Big M My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time .
Brad was the first person that I ever worked for at age 14. I had known him for probably 10 years at that time from grocery store visits with my mother and father. He was a tremendously hard worker, along side with his wife Gloria. They were very kind to many young people like myself, and instilled values and a good work ethic in many young people over the years. Brad was always one to commend someone on their hard work and dedication. Avon lost a great icon, and friend when their store closed down, and was never quite the same again.
Brad was a very pleasant person. He had the nicest smile and always spoke well. I met Brad and Gloria when my grandson and Emily were dating. Brad always greeted you with a big happy smile because he was glad to see you.
The last time I saw him at Jessie’s and Emily ‘s home I knelt down to play with Sammy and Brad asked me how I was able to get down, my response was ” the getting up is the problem.” Brad chuckled and again smiled his wonderful smile. God bless him always.
Brad was a very pleasant person. I met Brad and Gloria when my grandson and Emily were dating. Brad always greeted you with a big happy smile because he was glad to see you.
The last time I saw him at Jessie’s and Emily ‘s home I knelt down to play with Sammy and Brad asked me how I was able to get down, my response was ” the getting up is the problem.” Brad chuckled and again smiled his wonderful smile. God bless him always.
Brad was a very pleasant person. I met Brad and Gloria when my grandson and Emily were dating. Brad always greeted you with a big happy grin because he was glad to see you. It was always a pleasure to speak to him.
The last time I saw him at Jessie’s and Emily ‘s home I knelt down to play with Sammy and Brad asked me how I was able to get down, my response was ” the getting up is the problem.” Brad chuckled and again smiled his wonderful smile. God bless him always.
I met Brad and Gloria when my grandson and Emily were dating. Brad always greeted you with a big happy smile because he was glad to see you. It was always a pleasant experience to speak with him.
The last time I saw him at Jessie’s and Emily ‘s home I knelt down to play with Sammy and Brad asked me how I was able to get down, my response was ” the getting up is the problem.” Brad chuckled and again smiled his wonderful smile. God bless him always.
I met Brad and Gloria when my grandson Jessie and Emily were dating. Brad always greeted you with a big happy smile because he was glad to see you. It was always a pleasant experience to speak with him.
The last time I saw him at Jessie’s and Emily ‘s home I knelt down to play with Sammy and Brad asked me how I was able to get down, my response was ” the getting up is the problem.” Brad chuckled and again smiled his wonderful smile. God bless him always.
I can’t walk into the (Avon) Dollar General without feeling sentimental. What I wouldn’t give to hear a loop of Brad’s awful instore commercials just one more time. Or watch him race to open another cash register when lines of customers exceeded 2 deep. I’ve never met anyone who worked as hard as him AND still have the time and energy for his family and friends. In a word?……animated, unselfish, passionate, caring, thoughtful and humble. The best “bosses” anyone could ever ask for. Thank you, Brad & Gloria for 8 of the most wonderful years of my life.
Gloria, Ray, Rick, Debby, and family; so terribly sorry to hear of Brad’s passing. Through the many, many, wonderful memories of your times spent together , may your minds come to a peace in this troubled time.
Denise & I remember such great times as members of the Big M Family. One of our slogans of the past is remembered, as a strong Brad attribute; “It’s the little things that make us Big” He truly worked very hard on remembering that was so important in life also.
Brad was a friend to everyone he met. Had the pleasure of coaching with him in many sports, together and starting the HFL-BIL league, which still exists 31 years later. It helps teach Basketball to the kids of HFL. Worked together at Uniform Village for a while after the a big M closed. Genuine-Would be the first adjective to bestow on Brad! Never had a bad word about anyone. A true gentleman! A big loss! Love to Gloria and the Fam!
Brad was one of my better uncles. He always took time out to get to know you personally. There was never a time when Brad did not have a story to tell. Brad’s motivation and strong work ethic was contagious.. He inspired me to go into business for myself and was always encouraging and optimistic every time I saw him. My first “doctor suess “ book was from him and signed with a loving note to keep reading. Brad would take turns battling my brothers and I in Nintendo games, board games,, cards or just about anything.. Now your true life begins with your creator , and what a wonderful creation you were! I love you Uncle Brad
The best time in my work life was with the BIG M family! Brad was one of those people who was always there to help when you needed it.. His smile would make you feel so good it would make a bad day much better. Thank you for all you taught me.. Gloria you’re in my prayers and alway in my heart..