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Joseph J. 'Joe' Brady Andover, VT QCWA # 20206 |
Joseph J. "Joe" Brady, 98, of Andover, Vt., formerly of Waterbury and Brookfield, Conn., passed away on November 9, 2015, at Springfield Hospital in Springfield, Vt., after a brief illness. He died peacefully, surrounded by his loving wife and immediate family.
Joe was born on December 31, 1916, in the town of West New York, N.J., to John Brady and Irene Stanton Brady. He grew up in Boonton, N.J., where he graduated from Boonton High School in 1934. He earned a degree in electrical engineering at Newark College of Engineering, and was a member of the Naval Reserve. He obtained his ham radio license in 1935 at the age of 19.
In 1937, during his college years, Joe met his wife-to-be, Barbara Loeffler, at a party where he stood on his head to impress her. That was the auspicious beginning of a loving, lifelong relationship. They married five years later and started a family. He began his professional career as a quality control engineer at DuMont Television in East Paterson, N.J., and in 1955, moved to Connecticut to work at Benrus Watch Co. in Waterbury, Conn. When his division of the company, Benrus Technipower, moved to Ridgefield, Conn., in 1967, he followed and purchased a home in Brookfield, Conn. He and his wife, Barbara, also purchased property in Andover, Vt., and, with the help of friends and family, built a ski house that later became known as the Brady Inn. They retired there in 1985.
After his retirement, Joe became involved in many ways in his local Vermont community. He volunteered at the Eager Beaver Recycling Center, helped update town maps at Andover Town Hall, joined the Chester Art Guild (with his artist-wife, Barbara), acting as secretary for a number of years, and volunteered as a ski instructor for the town of Chester teaching young students to ski. He pursued his ham radio interest, developing friendships and acquaintances with people all over the world. He and Barbara skied well into their 80s, even joining the senior racing program at Stratton and competing in slalom races. When they were unable to continue downhill skiing, they took up cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. They enjoyed travels throughout Europe, the American West, the Canadian Rockies and south to Florida to visit with relatives and old friends.
Joe had endless patience and kindness and was particularly fond of teaching; he taught his wife, children, extended family and countless friends how to ski. He could build or fix anything, and was happy to show others how to do it. A man of honesty, integrity and quiet strength, he was also modest and generous, and was always quick to offer the shirt off his back (sometimes literally). He was also known for his sharp wit and zany sense of fun; even during his last days, he was able to inject a bit of kidding into the conversation. He had a profound impact on many people over his long, full life, and he will be deeply missed by all.
Joe is survived by his wife of 73 years, Barbara (Loeffler) Brady; his son, Richard Brady and wife Susan; his daughter, Kate Brady and partner Gary Newman; his daughter, Clare Brady and partner John Prittie; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and 11 nieces and nephews.
A viewing was held at Adams Funeral Home in Chester on November 21. A burial service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, November 28, 2015, in Hilltop Cemetery in Andover, followed by a memorial celebration at Fullerton Inn in Chester.