Brad L. Taft

Brad L. Taft (aka Pop Pop), 48, of Sherburne, NY, formerly of Millerton, PA, passed away December 30, 2020 at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse.
He was born February 28, 1972 in Wellsboro, PA, a son of Kenneth and Nancy Hemenway Taft. He graduated with honors from Williamson High School, Tioga, PA in 1990. Brad’s career in food service started as a restaurant dishwasher and when the cook quit, he was given that position. It inspired him to attend culinary school at Johnson and Wales University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1995. He was a co-owner and cook (sandwich artist) of the Bullthistle Brewery in Sherburne, the first brewery in Chenango County. Brad has left us too soon, but we prefer to remember all the wonderful times that we shared with him while he was here. Brad loved to cook, read, and enjoyed spending time with family including summer vacations, celebrations and grandchildren sports. He was unique in many ways just like his favorite musician Tom Waits and lived by his quote “the earth is not my home, I’m just passing by”.
He is survived by his loving companion, Brenda (Susie) Alpaugh of Sherburne; his mother, Nancy Taft of Fayetteville, AR; maternal grandparents, Robert and Mary Hemenway of Mansfield, PA; brothers, Kenneth (Tammy) Taft and children, Dalton, Jesse, Bailey and Bryce of Nobleford, Alberta, Canada; Sean (Tamera) Taft and sons, Ace and Tyler, of Fayetteville, AR. Also surviving are Brenda’s family, Amy Jeffrey (sister, close friend and biggest supporter) of Sherburne, Bob Thomas (brother) of Smyrna. Her children, Marsha (Bobby B) Bliss and children, Brittney and Michael of S. Edmeston; Trish (Charlie) Anderson and children Espn, Madden and Porter of Sherburne; Mercedes Allen and son, Xander of Burlington Flats; MaKayla Allen (fiancé, Thomas Sullivan Jr.) and son, Thomas III of Sherburne; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his father on January 5, 2017.
A celebration of Brad’s life will be held at a later date and time to be announced.
Contributions in his memory may be made to Sherburne Emergency Squad, PO Box 924, Sherburne, NY 13460.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne.