John Gary Brady's Obituary
Decatur – John Gary Brady, of Decatur, IL, passed away Wednesday March 1st at 3:08 A.M., at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, Illinois.
He was born March 18,1932 in Pittsburgh, PA to Golda Marie (nee Doty) and William Joseph Brady. Graduate of St. Teresa High School where he was active in the varsity football program, where he played quarterback for the team. John also attended Brown’s Business School as well as Millikin University. John served in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1955 aboard the USS Redfish, one of the first diesel submarines to travel under the arctic ice. He worked for 26 years at St. Mary’s Hospital in the data processing department since its opening in 1961.
John was retired from the Secretary of State of Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles Involved as a member of the Knights of Columbus for several years, he also loved the Sea and all things Nautical and was an avid builder of historic sailing ships from scratch using no prefabricated parts. His passions also included World War II history, of which, he possessed near encyclopedic knowledge. Perhaps his greatest joy was college football season when his beloved Fighting Irish of Notre Dame took the field, his fandom for the team ensured that he never missed a game.
John was preceded in death by both of his parents, along with two brothers (Patrick and William) and one sister (Peggy Harting).
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Rosalind Kay Brady and his two sons, Colin Patrick Brady and John Ryan Brady—all of Decatur, Illinois, as well as Kristopher J. Wattelet and his wife Kathleen of Enning, SD, his sister Mary Suzanne Senger along with dozens of nieces and nephews.
Memorial Mass of the Resurrection celebrating his life will be 11 A.M. Friday March 16, 2018, at St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church; visitation will be one hour prior to the mass. Refreshments and an opportunity to share stories of John’s life will follow the mass at the adjacent St. Thomas School.
The family of John Gary Brady is being served by the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe St., Decatur, IL 62526. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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